DOUGIE Freedman was a proud man last night as he finally welcomed fans’ favourite Jay Spearing back home to Wanderers.

Whites fans rejoiced as the popular midfielder signed a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee – thought to be around £2million – to put himself immediately into contention for this weekend’s home clash with Reading.

An amazing 96 per cent of voters in a poll by The Bolton News last week urged the club to bring back the 24-year-old ball-winner, who scooped the club’s player of the year award in a loan spell from Liverpool last season.

And Freedman was delighted to give the supporters what they have been craving, landing a man who had already turned down two un-named Premier League clubs and neighbours Blackburn Rovers as he waited for Wanderers to strike a deal.

“There were a couple of Premier League teams who had showed interest and it was far down the line with Blackburn – they had agreed a fee,” Freedman confirmed.

“But Jay wanted to come here. He knew the way we played, how we work, and he wanted to improve his game.

“I must admit, I was fearful Wigan might have come in for him because obviously Owen (Coyle) brought him to Bolton. I was watching that closely.

“But Jay is not interested in the limelight and the big money. He is coming to a club who will support him and look after his every need in his development.

“He comes from a good family who come to watch him every week. So, he just felt this club was the right fit for him.

“It wasn't the money. I believe there was bigger money at other clubs. This club is just close to his heart.”

Freedman thanked owner Eddie Davies for funding the deal in a summer where finances have been tight at the Reebok – but said there were no current plans to sell players to balance the books.

Now the manager admits the former England Under-21 star could be launched straight into action, with Spearing already au fait with his surroundings.

And that could mean a party atmosphere at a packed Reebok tomorrow – with fans who had chanted “We Want Jay Spearing Back” just a week earlier now able to sing that they have their man.

“I might have been meant that way! The timing is incredibly good to us because it’s the first home game and with how much support Jay had,” the manager said.

“That applies to the dressing room as well. For the lads to see him walking in again will give them a lift. To be honest, we’ve never replaced his locker – it’s still sitting there for him.

“I have monitored his pre-season games and training, kept an eye on it, so if he is up to speed then I don’t see why he wouldn’t be in the hunt for a starting position.

“Normally when I make signings they will need a two or three week period to gel into the group but Jay understands exactly what we are after and that’s a big advantage.

“He knows the position he plays inside out and knows exactly what to expect.”