Bolton Wanderers Josh Sheehan wants promotion after new deal

The Wales international has committed to the club until 2028, with a one-year option, and hopes this will be the season that Bolton can finally escape League One’s clutches.

“Since the day I walked into Bolton I’ve known what the target was,” he told The Bolton News. “Everyone has the same goal that we’re aiming for and it does stick in my throat a bit that we have been so close but haven’t managed to get over that line.

“The fans have always shown me love and Bolton is where me and my family call home now. I’ve tried to repay that on the pitch in my performances but to be part of a team that gets to the Championship – which is the least this club deserves – that would be great.”

On Sheehan’s contract signing, Steven Schumacher added: “I’m really pleased for Josh. I’ve known how good of a player he is for a few years now and I think he’s shown this season how important he is to the team.

“He’s been really consistent with his performances. He’s a big part of our squad and a full international so we’re really pleased he’s agreed to commit his future to us.”

The promotion chase resumes with the visit of Lancastrian rivals Blackpool this weekend, led by the man who brought Sheehan to the club, Ian Evatt.

It will be the first time that the former Wanderers boss has returned since he walked out last January and the midfielder hopes there will be a show of respect for the man who led the club for four-and-a-half years.

“I think there will,” he said. “Overall it was a successful time, probably just not towards the end. He obviously got the club in a good place, and obviously we won at Wembley.

“I think he’ll get applause from most. Obviously, if things on the pitch start going, then he might get the brunt of it from a few. Overall, though I think he should be alright.

“After the game I’d certainly shake his hand and say hello. You don’t really get much time before or after, to be honest, but I don't think anyone's going to be going out with any grudges.

“It's business as usual to be honest, we're there to go and get three points, and he'll be doing the same for his club.”

In what will be the 100th league encounter between Bolton and Blackpool, Schumacher admits his predecessor’s presence will add some extra spice to the occasion.

“I went back to Plymouth a couple of times as the manager, and there are extra butterflies in your stomach, so I'm sure Ian will be feeling that. I'm sure he'll be looking forward to it, he'll have his players motivated, just because of the history and what's there.

“Obviously Ian did a really good job here, to stay for four and a half years in one job, says that I've done something really good, because the average term is probably 18 months. He's done really well here, had a promotion, obviously got close to a promotion a couple of times, had a team who played in a really good style, and he's come back to his old club, so he will be motivated. All that aside, it's Bolton against Blackpool, and it's a big three points at stake.”