New signing Eoin Toal is looking to make his mark with Wanderers after sealing a switch to League One.
Toal has left League of Ireland Premier Division challengers Derry City to join the Whites on a three-year deal – subject to international clearance.
The central defender already boasts an impressive CV after chalking up over 150 first-team appearances for Derry, captaining the club and Northern Ireland’s Under-21s.
And the 23-year-old believes he’s now ready to take the next step in his career after completing his move to the University of Bolton Stadium for an undisclosed fee and taking the number 18 shirt in Ian Evatt’s squad.
“It’s brilliant. I know it’s been on the cards for a few weeks and I’m glad it’s done now and I’m really looking forward to it,” said Toal.
“I’ve been at Derry for five or six seasons and really enjoyed it.
“I built up a lot of good relationships with Derry, a lot of good people there.
“I can’t thank them enough for letting this go through. It’s a club I’ll always have time for and I’ll always be supporter of that club.
“But I’m looking forward to this opportunity now with Bolton Wanderers.
“Bolton is a massive club and I think it was just too big of a club for me to turn down and it’s a very good opportunity for me to showcase myself over here in England.
“I’ve seen a lot of players and a few of my friends who have come over to League One and done really well and I don’t see why I can’t do that.”
Toal joins Wanderers after helping Derry climb to second place in the League of Ireland’s top tier – which runs until November.
The six-feet, two-inch defender – comfortable on the ball and capable of playing across the centre of defence – has also just experienced another tilt at European football after Derry qualified for European competition for the second season running.
But he now turns his attention to a first campaign with Wanderers where he will add to the Whites’ central defensive options once he has been given time to settle into his new surroundings.
“There’s a good buzz about the place and everyone was really friendly and welcoming so I’m really looking forward to starting now,” added Toal after meeting his new team-mates for the first time.
“It feels like a club that’s going places and looks like it’s preparing to get better and better.
“Since I’ve arrived everyone has been brilliant. I can’t thank everyone enough for that.”
Toal, who started his senior career with hometown club Armagh City before joining Derry in 2017, becomes Wanderers fourth signing of the summer following the arrival of defensive colleague Jack Iredale and season-long loan recruits Conor Bradley and the returning James Trafford.