Bolton Wanderers have confirmed that Josh Sheehan has extended his stay at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
Sheehan has been one of the Trotters’ star performers this term, playing 25 League One matches as they chase promotion to the Championship.
And Bolton have announced he has signed a contract extension until the summer of 2028, with the option of a further year.
Formerly of Welsh sides Swansea City and Newport County, Sheehan moved to Lancashire in the summer of 2021. But he endured a nightmare debut campaign, rupturing his ACL in November and bringing his season to a premature end. The 16-cap Welsh international responded from that setback to become a regular in the side in the past few years. He starred during the 23/24 campaign, securing several personal accolades after grabbing 13 assists.
This term, he struck both goals in the Boxing Day victory over Rotherham United. If it were even possible, he further endeared himself to Wanderers supporters with a late strike from distance to defeat local rivals Wigan Athletic last month. A thigh injury has recently kept him out of action, making his comeback with a strong cameo against Lincoln City last weekend.
After one of the best seasons of his career to date, penning a contract extension was a no-brainer for the Bolton midfielder.
“Playing here, when you walk out at this stadium, there aren’t many places better. Being up and around this place, me and my family call this home now, which is another driving factor.
“The main objective has been to write our name in history and get the club back to the Championship, which is at least where it should be. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.
“I can bring some international experience into the team and I feel I’m always here for the lads. It means a lot to know that I’ll be playing here for even longer and I’m looking forward to doing all those things for the next few years.”
Remaining committed to Bolton after their heartbreak in the play-offs in recent years is an admirable trait. Having never made an appearance in the top two tiers of English football, it feels that Sheehan deserves a shot at the Championship, and that could come next season. Having finished inside the top six in two of the last three campaigns, they will be hoping to avoid the lottery of the end of season competition once again.
But they are currently eight points adrift of the top two places, having played a game more than both sides who occupy those positions. Nevertheless, head coach Steven Schumacher will be hoping to end his first full season in promotion, and Sheehan would be an integral part of making that happen.
“I’m really pleased for Josh,” Schumacher added. “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.”
Bolton Continue Late Scoring
Following the final whistle against Northampton Town on Tuesday evening, Imps supporters will have switched their attentions to Bolton’s later kick-off against Reading. The Trotters trailed the League One play-off chasers by a single goal, but struck in the fifth minute of stoppage time to salvage a point in Berkshire.
But that was no fluke; Bolton have scored 9 goals after the 90th minute this season, more than any other side in English professional football. Cardiff City are second on that particular list, with eight strikes in second-half stoppage time. Lincoln have consistently been let down by very late goals for the two teams either side of them in the third-tier standings this season.
Tomorrow lunchtime, Cardiff play first at Plymouth Argyle, before Ian Evatt returns to Bolton with his new side, Blackpool. With City simultaneously in action at Mansfield Town, the Imps will be hoping that the late drama takes a break, for a weekend at least.