Triple Bolton Wanderers transfer adds to Ian Evatt’s promotion mix: View | OneFootball

Bolton's three summer signings could make the difference next season.

Highlights

Ian Evatt’s Bolton Wanderers are eager to avenge their painful play-off final defeat. The Trotters have snapped up three key targets that could make a difference this season.

Bolton’s move to land Wycombe Wanderers’ centre-back Chris Forino preceded the transfer of Cheltenham goalkeeper Luke Southwood and Crawley Town attacking midfielder Klaidi Lolos.

Evatt’s three-pronged transfer approach has added depth to his especially strong squad and stripped league rivals of important players.

The Lancashire side have set about exercising their financial muscle to finally escape the third tier. In an ultra-competitive division, Bolton are looking to find an edge by weakening their opponents.

With deep pockets and a talented squad, Evatt has the tools at his disposal to launch a successful promotion bid. He will hope his trio of new recruits helps the side get over the line this time around.

Chris Forino is a reliable defensive option

Bolton’s push for promotion last season was built upon their stellar attack. Only Peterborough United outscored the Trotters last term, and Evatt’s side will be in the mix again if they match their impressive 86-goal total.

While the Whites boasted the sixth-best defence in League One last campaign, the sides’ high-possession front-footed approach looked susceptible in transition against the division’s best teams.

Bolton look to control play and suffocate the opposition, but the side have historically been undone by quick counter-attacking football.

Look no further than last season's play-off final, where Oxford United’s Ruben Rodrigues split the Bolton back line with a direct ball forward for Josh Murphy (pictured) to race in behind and double the U’s advantage.

Last season, the Trotters selected defenders to aid the team's approach play, but in Forino, Evatt has recruited a more dependable centre-back option. The 24-year-old ranked in the top 96% of defenders in defensive actions; he will bring solidity and reliability to Bolton’s backline.

Although Forino's singing may represent a change in mentality from Evatt, who had previously brought in defenders with a heavy focus on their contribution to the side's attacking play, the St Lucia international is composed on the ball and should grow into his role at the Toughsheet stadium.

Shrewd Luke Southwood signing adds depth

Southwood’s signing represents a major coup for Bolton, as the Whites have attracted one of last season’s most consistent goalkeepers to fill the number two spot.

The 26-year-old was a mainstay in the Cheltenham Town goal last term, and, despite the Robins' relegation from League One, he was earmarked as a standout player.

Southwood will attempt to disrupt the goalkeeping pecking order and oust the current number one, Nathan Baxter.

Alternatively, Baxter will hope to build on a successful first season between the sticks with Bolton. The former Chelsea man played 43 times for the Whites last campaign and has become one of the most reliable shot-stoppers in the League.

By bringing in Southwood, Evatt has injury-proofed the goalkeeper position. Bolton are moving to accumulate quality rotation options and cover all bases as they look to launch another promotion bid.

Klaidi Lolos’ invention will unlock League One defences

Lolos completes the trio of extremely sound Bolton signings. The former Crawley man routinely terrorised League Two defences last season and looks set to carry his red-hot form into the new campaign.

The 23-year-old’s ability to unlock a low block with a cute pass, fluidity on the ball, and eye for a goal will make him a threat in Evatt's high-possession system.

He should be expected to integrate seamlessly in the North-West, and while he might be used as a rotation option due to the sheer number of high-quality attacking players Evatt has to choose from, Lolos will impact games from the start or off the bench.

Ultimately, Lolos' signing further emphasises the strength of the hand Evatt has to play this season. Even in a wide-open league, Bolton could have too much depth for their rivals and may finally force their way out of the third tier and avenge events at Wembley in May once and for all.