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The first chapter of Wanderers’ B Team project has been completed and there have been several success stories.
The team was launched last summer in a bid to bridge the gap between youth football and the first-team picture at the UniBol.
There have been several success stories over the past season, while things haven’t quite gone to plan for others.
We have rated each player out of 10 based on the progress they have made in the B Team set-up. It is worth noting that some youngsters haven’t been included due to a lack of playing time.
LUKE HUTCHINSON (8 ) – Has proved why he is highly-rated at Wanderers this term, delivering consistent performances in the Central League. Also benefitted from loan spells at Bamber Bridge and Radcliffe.
ELLIS LITHERLAND (6) – Had to be patient for opportunities in the Central League at times but featured regularly during the final months of the campaign. Did enough to earn a new two-year contract with the Whites.
SAM INWOOD (8 ) - Has quickly risen the ranks over the past season, making the most of his opportunities in the B Team and also training with the first-team squad at times. Has a wand of a left foot and his crosses are a dangerous weapon.
MAX CONWAY (7) - One of the standout performers during the early weeks of the campaign and has impressed during a loan spell at Buxton in recent months. Makes the most of his opportunities to get forward and is dangerous in the final third.
LAMINE TOURE (6.5) - Has been a consistent performer at the heart of defence this term and also made the bench for the first team. His physical attributes and aerial ability will stand him in good stead as he aims to keep climbing the ranks.
ADAM SENIOR (6) - Captained the side in the Central League prior to loan spells at Telford and Halifax in the non-league pyramid. He leaves with well-wishes, having made seven first-team appearances for his hometown club.
ERIC YORO (5) – Has had a disappointing first season at Wanderers through no fault of his own. Yoro, who joined from University College Dublin, was still adjusting to life in the North West when his campaign was cut short by an untimely injury.
WES FRIMPONG (7) - Another youngster who has broken into the B Team squad this term, grabbing his opportunities with both hands. Can play on either flank and his versatility will serve him well as he aims to keep progressing.
LYNFORD SACKEY (5) - Seemed to be a good fit for Wanderers’ style of play following his departure from Reading last summer. Had a few promising displays early in the season but ultimately failed to make his mark at Bolton.
NELSON KHUMBENI (8.5) - A promising start to life at Wanderers for Khumbeni, who joined from Norwich last summer. He has made the bench at first-team level on a couple of occasions and was labelled by Ian Evatt as one of the youngsters who has made the most progression this season.
ARRAN PETTIFER (6) - Continued to make progress this term and got some vital experience in men’s football while on loan at Atherton Colls. Has a good range of passing and is capable of popping up with goals from midfield.
CONNOR STANLEY (6) - There were high hopes when the ex-Manchester United youngster joined Wanderers’ ranks last summer and he showed glimpses of what he is capable of in the Central League. Some supporters were surprised to see him let go.
MATTY GRIVOSTI (5.5) - Another youngster who was perhaps a tad unfortunate not to be offered a new deal at the UniBol. Had loan spells at Yeovil and Radcliffe but struggled to find his best role in the Whites’ system.
MATT TWEEDLEY (6) - Has also developed over the past season and made a big impression during a loan stint at Lancaster, with manager Mark Fell predicting he is “going to be a star”. Is capable of unlocking defences with moments of quality.
FINLAY LOCKETT (7) - Has come into a rich vein of form during the second half of the campaign, scoring stunning strikes against Burnley and Wigan. Had been tipped for big things at Wanderers prior to his cruciate ligament injury in 2021.
CONOR CARTY (7.5) - Enjoyed a prolific start to the season and made an instant impact on his first-team debut, scoring a late equaliser against Tranmere in the Papa Johns Trophy group stage. Had stints in the National League with Gateshead and Oldham and is currently playing for St Patrick’s Athletic, scoring the winner against Dundalk last week.
GERALD SITHOLE (6) - Was another exciting signing last summer, having made a number of League One appearances for Gillingham. It took time to settle at Wanderers but he managed to rediscover his scoring touch.
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