WANDERERS have announced their first signing of the summer by landing Cambridge United’s Jack Iredale on a three-year deal.

Ian Evatt has kicked off his recruitment drive for next season by adding the sought-after 26-year-old, who was born in Scotland but raised in New Zealand and Australia.

Iredale was a major part of the Cambridge side which gained promotion from League Two alongside Bolton in 2020/21 and has fared well this season after stepping up a level, reportedly attracting interest from the Championship.

Playing 44 matches in all competitions for the U’s this season, Iredale helped Mark Bonner’s side to an impressive 14th placed finish on their return to the third tier.

Now Iredale is looking to help Wanderers push towards promotion next season.

“That’s why I’ve joined the club. I’m ambitious as well. I want to do well for this club and I want to do well like the club wants to do well,” he said.

“There are some big teams in the division but Bolton is up there with the biggest of them, so it’s a real honour and privilege to be able to play for this club and I can’t wait to get started.

“I really enjoyed my two years at Cambridge, last season with promotion at the same time as Bolton, and then this season a really strong season in League One.

“But I felt it was time to take another step and I’m really excited that it’s with Bolton. I’ve played against Bolton a good couple of times over the last few years so I know how tough it can be to play against them. That’s why I’m so excited to play for them.

“By all accounts, especially since January, the form was really, really strong, which is another reason why I’ve chosen to come here and help continue with that momentum and hopefully do something special next season.

“Training with good players is only going to make you a better player. To join a squad with really good players is very exciting.”

Ian Evatt is looking forward to seeing Iredale compete with Declan John for a place on the left - or potentially pit himself against young player of the year George Johnston as a wide centre back.

“This is a great start to what we want to do this summer in terms of adding to the squad and thanks again to Sharon and the board for allowing us to move so quickly,” said Evatt.

“Jack is a player we’ve been keen on for a while and a proven performer at League One level, who we believe can also operate higher.

“He will provide genuine competition for places, which is something we want in all positions as we will look to keep moving the team and the club forward.

“He is a talented defender and technically very good who will add to what we already have and we look forward to working with him next season and beyond.”