Gethin Jones has praised Bolton Wanderers' team-spirit and work ethic ahead of the club's return to Sky Bet League One and described his team-mates as the 'best bunch of lads' he's worked with.
The Everton Academy graduate was rewarded for playing his role in helping Wanderers to automatic promotion last season by signing a new two-year contract at the University of Bolton Stadium last week.
The Welsh full-back made his debut for Ian Evatt’s men in September having previously played for Carlisle United and Fleetwood Town.
He featured in 38 games, netting three goals as Wanderers ended their campaign in the final automatic promotion spot.
Despite the social restrictions imposed on clubs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Jones acknowledged that it was always going to take time for Wanderers to find their rhythm.
“At the start of the season it was always going to be difficult,” he said.
“Not just the football side of stuff but you also need to get to know people off the pitch. There was 20-odd new players in the squad and with all the COVID restrictions etc we couldn’t go out for food, meet up after training, everywhere was closed and we couldn’t go out for a coffee together.
“As the season went on, we got to know each other a lot more. We worked hard in training and respected one another.
“The main thing is that we all stuck together.
“I can say, hands down, that this is the best bunch of lads that I have every played with. Everyone respects each other and we all fight on the pitch for each other.
"The staff have been unbelievable too. They started all this with bringing us together and we just worked on it in training. I work hard for every single one of the lads and they would all say the same thing."
Jones also reckons that by keeping the core of their team in tact for the new season, Wanderers will be well placed to have a successful season at a higher level.
He added: “It’s definitely important and it will take us a long way next season. I know we are going up a league and there will be better quality and harder games, but if you have that core group of players in the squad that sticks together it will take you a long way.”
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