Fifteen players leave Bolton Wanderers F.C. after relegation

May 19, 2012

A total of fifteen players have left after the club was relegated from England's  at the end of the season. Eleven of the players were released after their contracts expired while activated a clause in his contract that allowed him to leave the club. A further three players ended their loan spells and returned to their parent clubs.

The players who have been released from the club are, , , , , , , , , Dino Fazlic, and Tom Eckersley.

Striker Ivan Klasnic had one of the higher wages at the club and his departure was expected regardless of whether the club was relegated or not. He said on his website "I hope they get promoted next year to the Premier League because this team belong to the Premiership. I'll leave the club but want to say thank you for three years. I'll keep Bolton in my heart."

Jamaican Ricardo Gardner, on the list of released players, had been with the club for fourteen years and manager commented personally on his release. He said "One of those [players released] is Ricardo Gardner, who has been with the football club for 14 years. He has offered incredible service to Bolton Wanderers and I'd like to personally thank him for all of his efforts, particularly during the time I have worked with him."

Nigel Reo-Coker left the club on his own accord after activating a release clause in his contract. Coyle said "I was clear with Nigel. I asked him straight away whether he wanted to be a part of what we are going to do next season. He was honest and up front with us, because that is the type of man he is, and said that he wanted to exercise the clause in his contract, and so we wish him well."

The other three players to leave Wanderers are, , and who all spent time with Bolton under loan agreements. The three players have returned to their parent clubs.

However, striker has a new contract for one year, while defender  added a two year extension to his contract. Veteran goal keeper and  are still currently in contract negotiations.

Coyle said in a statement on behalf of the club that "I would also like to thank the players that are leaving the club for their work at Bolton Wanderers. We wish them all well."