THIERRY Gale summed up in one word why he chose to sign for Wanderers this summer: “Promotion.”
The Barbados international will play at the Toughsheet Stadium for the first time this afternoon as Steven Schumacher’s side get a final warm-up against Preston North End before the big kick-off at Stockport County on August 3.
It has already been a busy start for the winger, who by his own admission is learning the ways of English football on the job.
Still getting in tune with the speed and style of League One, Gale says the first few weeks with the Whites have been an eye-opener.
But he has no doubt where he wants to be in May – and why he turned down offers from around Europe this summer to test himself in the North West.
“I came here to get promoted,” he told The Bolton News. “It is exciting. I came here to Bolton because the manager wants to give wingers the licence to do what they want.
“Of course, I respect the team, but I mean to always go one-against-one, to create chances, to score goals.
"Bolton have been close but I think I can help this team to be successful and to get promotion.
“It is a top stadium, I love it. And I cannot wait to see the fans and play for them.”
Gale has played around Europe – in Hungary, Georgia, Austria and Poland – and represented his country on 15 occasions, sampling different styles of football along the way.
He admits, however, that his experience so far playing for Wanderers under Steven Schumacher have asked more of him physically, than anywhere else.
“It has been a tough start,” he said. “The intensity is really high.
“Normally in a game I can have some rest. But here, I have to run all the time!
“You hear the coach, telling you to run, to get back, and that is new for me.
“I have to get accustomed to that. I had trained one time with my former club so I am maybe two weeks behind here with Bolton. I will catch up and be a better player.”
Gale has already given a glimpse of what he can offer with an impressive hour at Shrewsbury, topped off with a spectacular right-footed goal in the 5-2 win.
He is looking forward to working with Schumacher this season – but revealed that two years ago he turned down the opportunity at Plymouth Argyle.
“It is true,” he said. “I knew the coach and we had spoken before. I think now was the perfect time for me because I have some more experience.
“I have to learn the tactics, how they play and fitness, for sure, but this is a good club for me. I can do well for Bolton.
“I want to score more goals like that. I have scored better. But any goals are good goals.”
Before today’s game there will be a signing session with members of the BWFC Women’s team in the Fan Zone, and also a grand reveal for the club’s new third kit.
Doors open at midday.
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