Former Wanderers defender Joe Riley has been appointed as head of recruitment at Fleetwood Town.

Riley came through the Whites' youth ranks and went on to make nine appearances for the first-team, making his debut in a 5-0 win against Stoke in 2011.

After leaving Wanderers in 2015, Riley had spells with Bury, Shrewsbury Town, Plymouth and Mansfield Town.

However, he suffered an ACL injury in 2020 and was forced to call time on his playing career a year later.

Fleetwood have already made several signings this summer, including former Bolton midfielder Josh Vela.

The Cod Army survived relegation from League One last season despite a 4-2 defeat at the UniBol on the final day, and Celtic legend Scott Brown has since taken charge at the Highbury Stadium.

An official statement read: “Riley had a decade-long footballing career that started at Bolton Wanderers, where he picked up three Premier League appearances, with his debut coming in a 5-0 win over Stoke City back in 2011.

“After moving away from Wanderers, he then helped his next side, Bury, earn their way back to League One after finishing third in the league, before making 80 more appearances for Shrewsbury Town, Plymouth Argyle, and Mansfield Town combined.

“The former full-back then was forced into retirement a year ago after a knee injury and decided to stay in the industry, working for a football agency where he worked alongside a number of professionals.

“The 30-year-old has now made the move to join the Cods and has been instrumental in the dealings from the summer transfer window so far.”

Social, newsletters, subscriptions and getting in touch...

You can follow the Bolton News on social media by joining us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

We also have dedicated Facebook groups on Crime & Court, Traffic & Travel, Nostalgia and our Camera Club page

If you want to make sure you don't miss the most important news stories every day, sign up to one of our free e-mail newsletters 

Gain unlimited access to the Bolton News website with a premium digital subscription

Or if you want the Bolton News newspaper delivered to your door, get in touch with our home delivery team or call us on 0800 953 0227

Finally, have you got a story for us? If so, contact us at newsdesk@theboltonnews.co.uk or by using our online contribution form