Bolton Wanderers head coach Steven Schumacher has played down reports linking Josh Dacres-Cogley with a January move to Stockport County, insisting the wing-back remains “our player” despite renewed speculation around his future.
Stockport are understood to be exploring options on the right side after a recent reshuffle in that area, and Dacres-Cogley’s contract situation has only added fuel to the conversation.
Dacres-Cogley was once a rumoured target for the Imps, but Bolton stole in and secured his services. He’s recently been linked with a move away, with bitter promotion rivals County at the head of the queue.
The 29-year-old has found himself battling for minutes in recent weeks, but Schumacher was keen to stress that Bolton are not rushing to any decision, even with promotion rivals keeping a close eye on developments.
“I haven’t got a lot to say [about] it,” Schumacher said of the reports linking Dacres-Cogley with a move to Edgeley Park. “I don’t like to do that too often and it’s obviously not my business right now.
“What I will say about Josh is he’s our player. And I know he hasn’t played loads of games lately, but he has made 12 or 13 appearances, I think, and he’s done really well. So, he’s our player right now and not much more to say.”
“I’m not just going to react just because of recent results, as I said, because beforehand our results were good,” he said. “We were on a really good run before the Wycombe game.”
From Stockport’s perspective, the logic is clear. Dave Challinor’s side remain firmly in the promotion picture and are looking to keep momentum after a key win over Huddersfield Town lifted them further into the play-off places. With fine margins likely to decide who goes up, adding a proven performer in a specialist wing-back role could be a difference-maker.
Dacres-Cogley, who can operate as an attack-minded right-back or as a specialist right wing-back, brings plenty of third-tier experience and has been a regular presence at this level across his time with Bolton. He joined the Trotters in the summer of 2023 after two seasons with Tranmere Rovers, and has since built a reputation for athleticism and delivery from wide areas.
His footballing journey is a familiar one for players who take the long route back up the leagues. Born in Coventry, Dacres-Cogley came through Birmingham City’s academy and went on to make 23 Championship appearances for the Blues, alongside a loan spell at Crawley Town. After leaving Birmingham in 2021, he rebuilt his career at Tranmere before earning his move to Bolton, where he has featured as a dependable option on the right side.
Schumacher Dilemma
For Bolton, the dilemma is obvious. Strengthening a direct rival is rarely appealing, particularly in a season where the promotion race is tight and every point is magnified. Stockport’s interest, if it turns into something more concrete, would test Bolton’s appetite for doing business with a team chasing the same prize, especially given Schumacher’s broader point that the club’s recruitment plans are not simply a reaction to recent results.
Whether this develops into a genuine tug-of-war, or fades into the background as January progresses, may depend on two things: how Stockport reshape their squad after changes at wing-back, and how Bolton balance short-term depth against longer-term squad planning. For now, Schumacher’s message is uncomplicated. Dacres-Cogley remains in Bolton colours, and the head coach is not minded to feed the rumour mill.
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