IAN Evatt says new signing Jack Iredale was a solid start to what will be a busy summer of recruitment at Wanderers.

Although the Bolton boss is looking to add “quality over quantity” at first team level, he also intends to flesh out a newly created B Team squad ready to start scheduled fixtures in August.

Iredale is the first new name through the door, the Australian defender signing a three-year deal from Cambridge United, and Evatt hopes more players will be added soon.

“We’re really busy, always looking at recruitment myself, Chris (Markham) and the lads behind Chris,” he said. “We’re always looking and things change hourly, never mind daily in a transfer window so we’re always doing what we can to make the best decisions for this football club.

“Jack (Iredale) is a player we’ve been aware of and seen a lot of over the past couple of years. He has had a couple of fantastic seasons, he fits how we want to play, he’s good on the ball and a progressive passer, he’s mobile, can play multiple positions and we’re delighted to get him in.”

Asked about the search for a B Team manager, Evatt added: “Things are moving all the time, lots of hard work going in, but there is no update as yet. Things are moving fast.

“I am very busy. I might get an hour off but other than that I am full tilt, first team, B team, recruiting staff and players, pre-season planning – there’s lot to do.”

Wanderers named their retained list last week, releasing eight professional players including Liam Gordon, Nathan Delfouneso and Alex Baptiste.

“It is the hardest part of my job, really, to make those decisions,” Evatt said. “You form bonds and relationships with these lads so releasing players is never easy.

“We are always looking to progress because in football you can never stand still. It is always about progressing and moving forwards, and that is what we are trying to do.

“They are fantastic players and fantastic lads. It is never personal, just about what I deem is right for us and the direction we’re heading, so they are difficult decisions but I am looking forward to the future.”

Wanderers will be back in pre-season training on June 16, leaving for a training camp on the Algarve three days later.

Evatt believes it will be a good chance to bed down new signings and fine-tune some of the tactical aspects.

Wanderers’ last foreign trip was under Phil Parkinson in 2016 and was followed by promotion to the Championship.

“Firstly thanks to Sharon and the board for enabling me to take the players away,” Evatt told the club. “It’s a good first week to get them away, 24 hours a day, have their focus and get some real detail and fitness work into them. Also it helps team spirit, morale and bonding. It’s a really good things and we’re looking forward to that.

“It seems to be coming around really fast, the days keep ticking away, but I can’t wait to get started again.”