Bolton Wanderers are the latest team to announce their retained list; having announced that they have released 13 senior players.
The announcement that was made by Bolton Wanderers this morning displayed a clear statement of intent by Neil Lennon, as the former Celtic boss looks to put his own stamp on the team, releasing the likes of Jermaine Beckford and Matt Mills, who are two of the biggest names on the retained list.
Jermaine Beckford, who joined up with his former boss Simon Grayson at Preston on loan in November, has struggled to impress since arriving at Bolton from Leicester in 2013, scoring just 7 goals in 42 appearances. Beckford saw his loan at Preston extended back in January, and Preston will be keen to bring the 30 year old to Deepdale on a permanent basis should they be promoted to the Championship.
Matt Mills captained Bolton for the latter half of last season, but after just 2 years at the club, Neil Lennon has decided not to offer him an extension on his contract. Mills made 87 appearances for Bolton during his 2 year stint at the Macron Stadium, and the rumours are already flying around as to where he will be next season, with Nottingham Forest boss Dougie Freedman keen to link up with his former centre back having signed Mills for Bolton back in 2013.
The three other senior players that have been released are Keith Andrews, Andrew Lonergan and Craig Davies. Andews spent the last few months of the season on loan at MK Dons who gained automatic promotion to the Championship on the last day of the League One season, but made just 5 appearances for the Dons. Lonergan enjoyed a long run in the Bolton team this season making 29 league appearances in place of Adam Bogdan who suffered an ankle injury in January. Craig Davies had a disappointing season in terms of goals scored, scoring just 6 league goals in 27 league appearances.
Bolton also released Chris Lester, Georg Iliev, Luke Woodland, Glenn Matthews, Ryan Sellers, James Ball, Carl Kennedy and Kieran Nolan.
Bolton are in talks with Darren Pratley, Adam Bogdan, Eidur Gudjohnsen and Emile Heskey over contract extensions.
Full list of players released: Jermaine Beckford, Matt Mills, Keith Andrews, Andrew Lonergan, Craig Davies, Chris Lester, George lliev, Luke Woodland, Glenn Matthews, Ryan Sellers, James Ball, Carl Kennedy and Kieran Nolan.
Full list of players offered new contracts: Darren Pratley, Adam Bogdan, Eidur Gudjohnsen and Emile Heskey.
Scholars offered professional deals: Harry Campbell.
Scholars offered extended scholarships: Jamie Thomas, Tyler Garratt and Chris Cvetko.
Academy players who have signed professional deals: Tom Walker, Rob Holding, Channing Campbell-Young and Yvan Wassi.
