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Ronan Darcy is on his way back to Wanderers – but WON’T be allowed to play for the club on his return.
Despite making his last appearance for Norwegian side Sogndal on Wednesday, international red tape will prevent from playing league football for Bolton until January.
Ian Evatt had talked about bringing the homegrown midfielder back into his injury-hit squad this month but has now been informed Darcy’s loan will run according to the international window regardless of when his final game is played.
Sogndal lost to KFUM to end their chances of promotion to the top division via the play-offs, with Darcy coming on as a last-minute substitute.
His loan could theoretically have run to the end of the month had the team gone all the way to the final – but the 21-year-old now looks like he is heading back to the UK to train with Wanderers, without the prospect of returning to the team until the New Year.
Darcy played 10 games during what became a problematic loan, including a single appearance for the B Team in the third tier.
The initial move was delayed after complications with a work permit as a result of English players no longer being a part of the UK because of Brexit.
A thigh injury delayed his debut until the last week of September and then at the start of November, one of Darcy’s close pals Emil Palsson collapsed on the pitch during a game against Størdals-Bling and had to be airlifted to hospital after going into cardiac arrest.
The team failed to win another game, finishing sixth in the regular campaign.
Darcy did not make a single appearance for Wanderers this season but did agree a one-year extension to his contract before heading out to Norway.
Evatt admitted last month that another loan move could be considered but the Bolton boss said he would review the situation once Darcy got back to Bolton and had an opportunity to impress.
“He needs to play regular football so we’ll get Ronan back and see where he’s at, and we will make a decision on it.
"Fortunately for Ronan at the moment we are one lighter in midfield at the moment with Sarce (Antoni Sarcevic) leaving in that position, which could open up a spot for him. But again he’s got to come back and earn it.”
Since then, MJ Williams picked up a shoulder injury, which will put him out for another fortnight, and Josh Sheehan was ruled out for the rest of the season with a ruptured cruciate. Wanderers also lost the likes of Lloyd Isgrove (hamstring), Harry Brockbank (Achilles) and Amadou Bakayoko (ankle).
The club has also faced complications trying to recall defenders Adam Senior and Liam Edwards from their loan spells at York City and Southport, respectively.
A 28-day recall clause has been invoked by Bolton and it was hoped an agreement could be reached with the two clubs which would see the academy graduates back for next weekend’s game at Accrington.
As things stand, both players are due to play their final game on December 11 – Senior for York against Chorley and Edwards for Southport at Blyth Spartans.
Wanderers are investigating whether Senior could return earlier as his deal is categorised as a work experience loan but there has not yet been a firm answer either way.
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