Caleb Taylor is ready to take the next step of his footballing journey with the ‘special’ Whites, writes Pete Oliver.
Taylor has joined Wanderers on loan from West Bromwich Albion for the remainder of the season.
The move gives the big defender the chance to join a promotion hunt with the Whites and the opportunity to add to the experience he gained in League One with Cheltenham Town last season.
“I've been waiting to play first-team football all this season, so I can't wait to be finally doing it and in a place like this is special,” said Taylor after becoming manager Ian Evatt’s fourth signing of the January transfer window.
“Bolton are at the top of the table, so it's a bit different to Cheltenham. But it's the same level so I'm hoping I can do the same as I did at there.
“That was my first taste of first-team football and it went really well so I'm ready to push on now. There's a lot of expectation here but I'm definitely ready for it and I can't wait to get started and play some games.”
After coming through the Academy set-up at Albion, Lancashire-born Taylor – whose father Martin played for Blackburn Rovers, Birmingham City and Watford – featured in the EFL Trophy before making a senior debut for the Baggies in August, 2021.
The 21-year-old – who will wear 21 with the Whites – then spent all last season at Whaddon Road and featured in all but one of Cheltenham’s League One games as the Robins achieved their highest ever EFL placing.
This season Taylor has made half-a-dozen appearances for Albion, largely as a substitute and came off the bench for the Championship side in last weekend’s FA Cup Black Country derby against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The central defender was in demand ahead of the transfer deadline and with injuries stretching the Wanderers’ defensive ranks ahead of Saturday’s game against Barnsley, the Whites made sure they won the race for his services.
“When I was at Cheltenham last year and I came here it was a bit daunting because of how big it was. But I can't wait to play in front of everybody,” Taylor told Wanderers TV.
“It feels great to be here. Walking into the stadium you can feel how big it is and I'm so excited to start.
“I just can’t wait to start a game, or be involved in one, so hopefully Saturday is the start for me of a new journey and hopefully I can help this team get back to the Championship.”