OFFICIAL - George Taft signs

Bolton Wanderers is delighted to announce the signing of central defender ???????????????????????? ???????????????? on a two-year deal.

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— Bolton Wanderers (@OfficialBWFC) [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Welcome aboard, ???????????????????????? ????????????????! [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

— Bolton Wanderers (@OfficialBWFC) [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

George Taft is the latest player to join the Bolton Wanderers revolution after penning a two-year deal with the club.

The tall central defender, who has represented England at under 18 and under 19 levels, arrives at the University of Bolton Stadium having previously played for Cambridge United where he made 64 appearances, netting three goals during a two-year stint with the U’s.

The 26 year-old began his career with hometown club Leicester City in 2011, where he progressed through the academy.

Whilst with the Foxes he was loaned out to Kettering Town, Swedish club Karlstad BK and York City to gain first team experience before joining Burton Albion on a permanent basis in 2014.

During his time at Pirelli Stadium, he enjoyed the first of his loan spells with Cambridge United.

After two seasons with the Brewers, he completed a move to Mansfield Town in 2016 and again played for Cambridge whilst on loan.

He made a permanent move to Abbey Stadium in 2018.

Following on from the recent recruitment of Eoin Doyle and Antoni Sarcevic, Taft is excited to be playing in Wanderers colours this coming season.

Speaking to bwfc.co.uk, Taft said: “I’m so pleased. I’m absolutely buzzing to have signed for this club and get it over the line to be a Bolton Wanderers player.

“The signings Ian has already made show what he is about and what he wants from the season.

“It’s going to be exciting to be part of a quality squad of players.”

Head Coach Ian Evatt said: “ I’m delighted to have signed George, a 6ft 4in tall, left-footed defender who has an excellent pedigree having played for England youth teams and coming through the Leicester City Academy.

“He is at a great age for improvement and has vast experience at this level. Welcome aboard, George!”

Well worth a watch - his match highlights -

Can’t wait to be back at it [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

— George William Taft (@t99fty) [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Also his interview!

️ '???????? ???????????????? ???????? ???? ???????????????????? ???????? ????????????????????????'???? ???????????????????????????????? ???????? ????????, ???????? ???????????? ???? ????????-???????????????????????????? ???????? ????????????????.'

️ Watch George Taft's first interview with [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.].[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

— Bolton Wanderers (@OfficialBWFC) [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Another solid signing by the looks,

Norpig wrote:Another solid signing by the looks,

Moves well with the ball for a big lad.

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Also a little something I found... League two centre halves from last season....

The “perfect” player would be top right, with a big circle.... George Taft isn’t far off, is he?

Looks like an outstanding acquisition [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

— #BWFC (@Bwfc12341) [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Slightly concerned about him dribbling out of defence TBH, especially when there's nowt behind him. The chart refers to specifically defensive capabilities so would be interested to know if he ever gets caught in possession.

I must have missed this at the time but Taft signed for Scunthorpe in the January transfer window permanently.

Scunthorpe United have signed Bolton Wanderers defender George Taft on a permanent deal and Blackpool right-back Teddy Howe on a season-long loan.

Taft, 27, moves on a free transfer less than a month after joining on loan and has agreed a two-and-a-half-year deal.

He has played five times since first joining the Iron last month and helped the club keep three clean sheets in their last three matches.

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