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BEN Alnwick can finally stop hammering on Phil Parkinson’s office door after signing a new two-year deal with Wanderers yesterday.
The goalkeeper – who picked up a clean sweep of the end-of-season awards – has committed his future to the Macron Stadium despite heavy interest from his former club Sunderland.
Alnwick had told The Bolton News in April that he was in talks with Wanderers and wanted to stay in the North West.
And as he put the matter to bed yesterday, the 31-year-old was relieved he could finally stop asking the question.
"We’ve been talking about the contract for a while now,” he said. “Once I was able to come down, I was absolutely over the moon to get it signed.
"It was always the plan to get my future sorted out early and it was a no-brainer to stay here. It was all I wanted to do from the end of the season.
"I’ve been knocking on the door all the way through the season to get a new contract because I love it here. I’m settled and it’s somewhere I always wanted to stay."
Alnwick fought off the challenge of Mark Howard last season to establish himself as a regular number one and will almost certainly enter into next season as Bolton’s first choice.
Parkinson was only too happy to oblige one of his most consistent performers, adding: "I’m really pleased that we’ve agreed this deal with Ben. He is a great professional, was excellent for us last season and I’m looking forward to working with him over the coming seasons."
Wanderers are in the market for new players – including a goalkeeper to replace the outgoing Howard.
Ben Amos is likely to be offered out on loan again next season, with Charlton Athletic keen to take him back to The Valley.
Youngster Jake Turner could also be offered out again to gain more first team experience.
A striker is known to be high on Parkinson’s shopping list this summer but the manager is keen to keep details of his targets as close to his chest as possible.
“We’re speaking to a number of players, some are closer than others,” he told The Bolton News. “We’ll keep everyone informed as we go along but I have always been happier talking about signings after they happen, rather than before.”
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The goalkeeper – who picked up a clean sweep of the end-of-season awards – has committed his future to the Macron Stadium despite heavy interest from his former club Sunderland.
Alnwick had told The Bolton News in April that he was in talks with Wanderers and wanted to stay in the North West.
And as he put the matter to bed yesterday, the 31-year-old was relieved he could finally stop asking the question.
"We’ve been talking about the contract for a while now,” he said. “Once I was able to come down, I was absolutely over the moon to get it signed.
"It was always the plan to get my future sorted out early and it was a no-brainer to stay here. It was all I wanted to do from the end of the season.
"I’ve been knocking on the door all the way through the season to get a new contract because I love it here. I’m settled and it’s somewhere I always wanted to stay."
Alnwick fought off the challenge of Mark Howard last season to establish himself as a regular number one and will almost certainly enter into next season as Bolton’s first choice.
Parkinson was only too happy to oblige one of his most consistent performers, adding: "I’m really pleased that we’ve agreed this deal with Ben. He is a great professional, was excellent for us last season and I’m looking forward to working with him over the coming seasons."
Wanderers are in the market for new players – including a goalkeeper to replace the outgoing Howard.
Ben Amos is likely to be offered out on loan again next season, with Charlton Athletic keen to take him back to The Valley.
Youngster Jake Turner could also be offered out again to gain more first team experience.
A striker is known to be high on Parkinson’s shopping list this summer but the manager is keen to keep details of his targets as close to his chest as possible.
“We’re speaking to a number of players, some are closer than others,” he told The Bolton News. “We’ll keep everyone informed as we go along but I have always been happier talking about signings after they happen, rather than before.”
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