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Remi Matthews has discussed the likelihood that he will be one of hundreds of footballers looking for a new club this summer.
The Wanderers keeper is coming to the end of his contract and has not yet been given any firm indication from Bolton that another one will be offered in the coming weeks.
Matthews joined the Whites permanently from Norwich City at the start of 2019 and was virtually ever-present last season.
One of the few players who stuck with Bolton throughout administration, the 26-year-old is pragmatic about the financial pressures which will now be facing the club after dropping into League Two.
More than 1,400 players will be free agents this summer at a time when cash across the game will be at its most scarce due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. All of which adds up to an uncertain future for Matthews and his family, who moved up to the North West last year.
“It is scary times for players like me who are coming to the end of their contracts,” he told the BBC.
“It is the first time in my career that I am potentially going to be a free agent and, given what is going on, it has probably happened to me at the worst possible time.
“But I hope being a free agent is going to be a positive. Clubs generally are not able to spend £2million or £3m on a player so, overall, I would probably say that I am in a strong position.”
Wanderers have 15 players with first team experience out of contract this season but have yet to announce their retained list.
A clear-out is expected and while Matthews added a second Bolton relegation to his CV last season he felt his performances in a team which rarely looked settled will put him in good stead in finding a club, should no offer from the UniBol materialise.
“Performance-wise, I have done OK in what has been a negative season, so I think I will be alright but it will be a case of waiting to see what is on the table,” he said.
“We will see what Bolton say in the next couple of weeks contract-wise, but with us being told we are relegated to League Two now, they are going to have to cut their budget.
“I have had bits of interest from elsewhere but, as every player knows, until you get something concrete, then it can mean nothing.
“At the minute, it is just about being patient and hopefully things will come up.”
Source
The Wanderers keeper is coming to the end of his contract and has not yet been given any firm indication from Bolton that another one will be offered in the coming weeks.
Matthews joined the Whites permanently from Norwich City at the start of 2019 and was virtually ever-present last season.
One of the few players who stuck with Bolton throughout administration, the 26-year-old is pragmatic about the financial pressures which will now be facing the club after dropping into League Two.
More than 1,400 players will be free agents this summer at a time when cash across the game will be at its most scarce due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. All of which adds up to an uncertain future for Matthews and his family, who moved up to the North West last year.
“It is scary times for players like me who are coming to the end of their contracts,” he told the BBC.
“It is the first time in my career that I am potentially going to be a free agent and, given what is going on, it has probably happened to me at the worst possible time.
“But I hope being a free agent is going to be a positive. Clubs generally are not able to spend £2million or £3m on a player so, overall, I would probably say that I am in a strong position.”
Wanderers have 15 players with first team experience out of contract this season but have yet to announce their retained list.
A clear-out is expected and while Matthews added a second Bolton relegation to his CV last season he felt his performances in a team which rarely looked settled will put him in good stead in finding a club, should no offer from the UniBol materialise.
“Performance-wise, I have done OK in what has been a negative season, so I think I will be alright but it will be a case of waiting to see what is on the table,” he said.
“We will see what Bolton say in the next couple of weeks contract-wise, but with us being told we are relegated to League Two now, they are going to have to cut their budget.
“I have had bits of interest from elsewhere but, as every player knows, until you get something concrete, then it can mean nothing.
“At the minute, it is just about being patient and hopefully things will come up.”
Source