Parkinson lands Beevers as second new Wanderers signingPHIL Parkinson beat his former club Bradford City to the signing of defender Mark Beevers, and insists: “He’s the perfect fit for us.”
Hot on the heels of Chris Taylor’s arrival on Friday night, the Wanderers boss fought off three League One rivals to capture 6ft 4ins centre half Beevers today.
Charlton Athletic and Sheffield United had also expressed an interest in the 26-year-old, who has more than 300 league and cup appearances under his belt.
Parkinson tried to sign Beevers last January at Valley Parade but was priced out of a deal. Speaking to The Bolton News, the Wanderers boss reckons his arrival is a significant step in the right direction for the club.
“I’m really, really pleased with the signing,” he said. “He gives us another option at the back, he’s left-sided, a good age and he’s a player who we feel has got the best years ahead of him.
“I wasn’t surprised at all that he had a lot of suitors over the last few weeks – but we’re pleased he’s coming to join Bolton.
“You need character in a League One team but then you do at any level of the game. You need only look at the Euros right now and see how the Welsh defenders are going about their business. Mark has got a lot of experience in the Championship and this level, so we feel he’ll be a really good acquisition.
“It gives the back four a nice balanced feeling.”
After a long wait for new recruits, Wanderers fans had two signings to celebrate in one weekend after the signings of Chris Taylor and Beevers were confirmed by the club.
“That’s two good signings to kick us off,” he said. “They are both hungry and determined to play their part in building things back up at the club.
“I feel they will be very good additions.”
Both Beevers and Taylor boast a significant level of Football League experience but Parkinson insists balancing his squad out is his main purpose in pre-season.
“We’re looking across the board,” he said. “If a player is good enough and fits into the balance of the squad and he’s within the budget, then we’ll try to get him. Age and experience isn’t really the biggest issue for me.”
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] 
Home
