EOIN Doyle has sent a heartfelt thanks to the Bolton Wanderers fans as he left the club to return home to Ireland with St Patrick’s.

The 33-year-old striker was top scorer in last season’s promotion campaign and had scored eight times for Ian Evatt’s side in all competitions this term.

He has linked up with former Hibs team-mate Tom Clancy at the Dublin club, signing a long-term contract.

But before he left, Doyle penned a message of appreciation to the supporters who have backed him at Bolton.

He wrote: “All good things comes to an end and now is the time for me to move on.

“Even though it has been a relatively short stay, it has been a pleasure and a privilege to play for Bolton Wanderers and a time I won’t forget.

“I’ll always regard being part of a promotion-winning team – whole scoring a few goals along the way – at Wanderers as a career highlight.

“It was so important we bounced back straight away last season and to achieve promotion in the way we did was very special.

“My only regret was not being able to share the journey with you, the fans, with football played behind closed doors.

The Bolton News:

“But I have enjoyed sharing a few celebrations with you since and the experience of playing in front of your magnificent support this season. I always appreciated the backing you gave me and the team.

“I know this group of players – with Ian and his staff at the helm and you all behind them – will go on to good things again.

“I’d like to thank them all for making my stay such a special one, as well as Sharon, the board, investors, all the club staff and the fans for playing their part in the club’s revival. I’m immensely grateful to you all.

“Playing for such a big club has been the perfect way to end my stay in England ahead of a new chapter back home.

“It was always my wish to return to Ireland and this opportunity to play for a club like St Pat’s in my home city of Dublin was too good to turn down for me and my family.

“Again, I thank Wanderers for allowing the move to happen at this time ahead of the start of the League of Ireland season.

“I can’t wait to get started and will always keep an eye out for the Wanderers.

“Thanks for everything. Doyler.”