IAN Evatt has explained why Wanderers came to an agreement on Kieran Sadlier’s contact on transfer deadline day.

The Bolton boss made no secret of the fact both Sadlier and Declan John were available for transfer in the final week of the summer window.

Leyton Orient looked like favourites to re-sign him after a successful loan spell last season but Wycombe Wanderers eventually won the race, ahead of the O’s and Cambridge United.

But before the move was done, Bolton gave Sadlier maximum bargaining power with the clubs chasing him, coming to an amicable agreement on the remaining nine months of his contract.

Ian Evatt said the winger went with his well wishes after keeping his standards high right up to the final week of him leaving the club.

“I have to say his attitude and his application were first class,” he told The Bolton News. “There was absolutely no problem at all with Sads, he was ever the professional and in terms of the data he was always one of the best every day, his effort was outstanding.

“But he suffered because of the change of system, change of formation, and we sent him out last season on loan because there wasn’t a regular place for him in the team.

“Leyton Orient had some interest but building squads isn’t easy and I think because of a few injuries they had to prioritise other positions and that left Sads in limbo, a little bit.

“It went down to late in the window and Leyton Orient showed some more interest, there was another League One club as well, but because of the time it had taken we felt it was in his interest – and he felt it as well – that if we mutually terminated it would allow him to make a decision outside of the window.

“That meant it was better for him because at the time there were a few interested parties and, as we know, things can change quickly with results and desperation can take over. Sads might have benefitted from that.

“But the decision we made was beneficial for him and allowed him to make his mind up at his own pace.”

Sadlier had been a popular figure in his time with Wanderers, scoring nine goals in his 45 appearances. He struggled to find regular football after a formation switch at the start of last season, however, which meant Ian Evatt’s side no longer played with wide attackers.

After tying up a deal with Wycombe, Sadlier penned a message of thanks to the Bolton fans on his social media accounts.

“Thank you to everyone at Bolton Wanderers for the last 18 months, an amazing club full of top people, players, staff and, of course, the fans,” he said.

“Made friends I’ll have for a very long time and a place I’ll always have love for with m son being born there and looked after so well.”