Bolton Wanderers are delighted to confirm the double signing of Reece Burke and Josh Cullen on loan from West Ham United.
The duo move to Macron Stadium on deals until January and are reunited with Phil Parkinson having both enjoyed temporary stints with Bradford City under the Whites manager.
Both players boast Premier League experience having progressed through the Hammers’ famous youth academy, before gaining first team experience on loan in recent seasons.
England Under-20s international Burke, who is capable of playing either in the heart of defence or midfield, enjoyed a successful campaign with Bradford City in 2015/16 before experiencing Championship football with Wigan Athletic last season.
Meanwhile, central-midfielder Cullen, who is a Republic of Ireland Under-21s international, has spent the past two seasons with the Bantams as they reached the Sky Bet League One Play-Off Semi-Finals and Final respectively.
And after spending pre-season back with West Ham United, the duo have joined Wanderers ahead of their Sky Bet Championship opener against Leeds United this weekend.
Speaking to bwfc.co.uk after joining the club, 20-year-old Burke said; “It was an easy decision for me as I’ve worked with the gaffer before and I really enjoyed it.
“He’s a good coach and I worked well with him and the coaching staff. I think I enjoyed one of my best seasons with them before. Hopefully they bring out the best in me this season as well.”
Commenting on his own move to Macron Stadium, 21-year-old Cullen added; “It’s brilliant to be here and I’m raring to go.
“The gaffer is a big part in me coming here. I got good experience with him at Bradford and feel I improved as a player.
“I’m now coming to a Championship club and looking to make the next step. Hopefully we can kick on and go on to have a successful season.”
Delighted at capturing the highly-rated duo, Whites manager Parkinson said: “We’ve worked with Reece and Josh before and are very pleased to get them on board.
“We’d like to thank West Ham and Slaven Billic for sending the boys up to us at the start of the week because that’s important for our preparation for the first game of the season.
“They are good characters but more importantly good players. They’ll add a lot of quality to the squad and have a desire to show everybody that they can play at this level.”
- Bolton Wanderers’ 2017/18 home and away shirts are now both on sale in store at Bolton Central and online! Personalise your shirt and show your support for Phil Parkinson’s side ahead of their Sky Bet Championship opener against Leeds United this weekend!
- With less than a week to go until the start of the 2017/18 Sky Bet Championship, there's still time to purchase a Bolton Wanderers season ticket and support the Whites this year at the best possible price! Buy online now!
- Watch Wanderers' new signings make their home debuts this Sunday with tickets for the Whites' Sky Bet Championship opener against Leeds United on open sale!
- You can also enjoy the Macron Stadium atmosphere from the comfort of corporate hospitality with packages starting from just £80pp for the Trotters' clash with the Peacocks!