Bolton Wanderers are delighted to confirm that Player of the Year Josh Sheehan has signed a new longer-term contract to extend his stay with the club.
Sheehan’s existing deal with the Whites was due to expire at the end of the current campaign but the Wales international has now put pen to paper on a contract running until June, 2027.
The 29-year-old will therefore continue a Wanderers’ career which has seen the midfielder bounce back from a serious knee injury in his first season at the Toughsheet Community Stadium to become a vital part of manager Ian Evatt’s squad.
“Josh is a very good player and very important to us,” said the Wanderers’ boss. “He’s enjoying his football and playing with confidence which can only be good for us.
“He was our player of the year last season and he's got his chance, and taken his chance, in international football for a country which is doing very well at the moment.
“We've always tried to be proactive and protect our assets and if there's a deal to be done, and we think it's good for the club and fair and good for the player, then we'll get it done. We've managed to do that and Josh is secured for our future.”
Sheehan was signed by Evatt from Newport County in the summer of 2021 after twice helping the Exiles reach the League Two play-off final.
The former Swansea City youngster then had to battle back from a knee injury sustained in November, 2021 before establishing himself as a key player at the fulcrum of the Whites’ midfield.
The Welshman, who signed an earlier contract extension in June, 2023, has now made 124 appearances for Wanderers and after helping the club win the EFL Trophy in 2023 and twice reach the League One play-offs, wants further success with Evatt’s side.
“I’m delighted to have signed a new deal to stay with Wanderers,” said Sheehan, who was chosen by both his team-mates and the supporters as their top player of 2023/24 for his performances in helping the Whites finish third in the league.
“I want to achieve things with this football club and this allows me an even greater opportunity to do that.
“I believe this season can still be a successful one and hopefully that will only be the start of more good times for myself and the club.
“I am enjoying my football again – for club and country – and want to carry on this form to help the team keep climbing and achieve our collective ambitions.”
Sheehan this week won his 10th cap for Wales as an increasingly influential part of Craig Bellamy’s side which secured promotion to League A of the Nations League and now returns to club duty ready for Wanderers’ home League One fixture against Blackpool on Saturday.