George Thomason has reflected on a successful debut season in professional football – one that saw him win a promotion medal and the club’s Young Player of the Year accolade.
The 20 year-old midfielder arrived at the club in January 2020 from neighbours Longridge Town having spent eight years in Blackpool’s Academy.
Although he spent some time with Bamber Bridge on-loan that season and also for the beginning of last campaign, he was recalled to the University of Bolton Stadium in November and was handed his debut for the club during the 3-2 victory against Newcastle United’s under 23s in the Papa John’s Trophy.
He made his league debut in December at home to Port Vale and netted his first professional goal in the 3-3 draw against Carlisle United on Boxing Day.
Catching the eye of manager Ian Evatt, he was rewarded with a new contract in February and went on to make over 20 appearances as Wanderers won promotion to Sky Bet League One.
Delighted at picking up the club’s Young Player of the Year Award, which was chosen by the club’s coaching staff, Thomason said: “It’s always nice to pick up an individual award especially with it being my first season.
“It’s been a whirlwind of a season but more than anything it’s the team’s success that comes first and this season we’ve managed to be a successful team in the end.
“Now that the season has finished it’s a good time to reflect on what’s happened. Personally, it’s been crazy from where I started to where I finished, but I think I took everything in my stride and I’m just delighted with the way it all panned out.
“The coaching staff have been a massive help and they have been a great guidance for me this year, especially with the type of football the manager wants to play which has really suited my style.
“The assistant manager (Peter Atherton) is a great coach on the pitch. He’s always getting on to me telling me little bits of detail that I need to improve on and every time I try to take those little bits in for my next game; from training session to training session.
“They have all been great and create a great culture around the club; a winning mentality and it’s an enjoyable place to come into every day.
“It’s not just me that has benefited from them – everybody has.”
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