JACK Hobbs says he is physically ready to start the season and resume his career at Wanderers.

The former Nottingham Forest defender has played just 15 times in the last two years because of a persistent back injury.

He battled back to reclaim a place in the team under Aitor Karanka at the City Ground last season and, after his release, has spent virtually the whole summer with Wanderers looking to earn a permanent deal.

The centre-half has impressed Phil Parkinson and his staff during pre-season and was rewarded with a one-year deal today.

And Hobbs is looking forward to showing Bolton fans he is ready to kick-on.

“I was really pleased to join up with the lads pretty early on, so I didn’t miss much of the team training stuff,” he said.

“And it’s been great. We’ve worked and I feel like I’m ready for the start of the season.

“The lads have looked good, especially against Peterborough, so I think we’re ready and in a good place.

“I’ve got a lot of experience, so hopefully I can use that and pass it on to other members of the squad. I have always been quite vocal as a player, good at organising.

“My aim now is to play as many games as I can, consistently, and to enjoy it.

“I played here on the last day of last season and the atmosphere was amazing, so I am looking forward to a home game especially.

“But I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”

Wanderers start their season at West Brom – one of the pre-season favourites for promotion – and Hobbs believes the Baggies are somewhat of an unknown quantity after their relegation from the Premier League.

“It’ll be difficult to know what they’ll be like,” he said. “They have made a few changes and lost a few players.

“Hopefully we can get off on the right foot with a win and start it well.”