Recently announcing the signing of young Shelbourne defender Lewis Temple, Bolton Wanderers’ winter window is firmly underway.
However, attention is now turning towards departures. Earlier reports declared that the club are willing to let £500,000 striker Victor Adeboyejo move on amid developing interest. Meanwhile, defender Will Forrester may have found a suitor in the division.
According to reports from Alan Nixon, the 27-year-old defender could be set for a move further down the table. This news is unsurprising for many after the defender has been limited to only two appearances in the Vertu Trophy this season.
Clearly not in the plans of Stephen Schumacher, the defender may have found an opportunity for regular minutes in the division.
Bolton Wanderers’ Will Forrester Set for League One Switch
Reports from Nixon have stated that fellow League One side Leyton Orient are the front-runner for Forrester’s signature.
While a deal is yet to be struck, the London club is keen to strike a deal with Bolton Wanderers, who are willing to let the defender depart this month.
Any potential move would be beneficial for all parties. Defensive reinforcements are in urgent demand at Brisbane Road, as Richie Wellen’s men have conceded the joint-most goals in the division, with 41.
Not lacking at the other end of the field, the Os have scored 35 in the league but are regularly outscored by the opposition.
Now sitting 20th in a heavily congested table, improvement at the back could quickly launch Orient up the table.
Forrester could provide just that, as a defender experienced in the top half of the division.
Previously impressive in his spells at Bolton Wanderers and Port Vale, Forrester is an adept defender capable of playing multiple positions across the backline.
Would Will Forrester Fit In At Leyton Orient?
As previously mentioned, Wellens is in dire need of new faces in the defence.
Omar Beckles is aging, while the rest of the backline have failed to live up to the levels of last season.
Forrester’s versatility across the back four could solve numerous problems and alleviate pressure from several players. Furthermore, his age is ideal for the squad’s current situation.
Also used to playing in a possession-heavy side under Ian Evatt, the central defender could blend in well with several players in the Orient squad who are good with the ball at their feet, such as Idris El Mizouni.
Additionally, it would not be surprising to see further improvements in the Orient defence this summer. Despite sitting in 20th, the congested points distribution in the League One table shows that there is still a lot to play for at the other end of the table, for any side that could hit a good run of form.
What Next for Bolton Wanderers?
Forrester’s departure seems more than inevitable now. Failing to make an appearance in the league while the club has already brought in a young defender in Temple this window.
It would not be a surprise to see Forrester amongst several departures, with speculation also building around Adeboyejo.
This seems like a necessity for Schumacher, who is looking to build the team in his image after succeeding Evatt, who enforced a vastly different style of football at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
Defensive performances have been largely admirable for the Wanderers. There is potential room for improvement at the other end of the field, as Bolton have scored the least of the current top six.
Additionally, with Temple confirmed, it would be no surprise to see their focus on forward arrivals. An increase of firepower could make all the difference for the Trotters as they look to catch up to the likes of Cardiff City, Lincoln City, and Bradford City in the race for automatic promotion.