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Josh Sheehan hopes to repay the faith shown in him by Wanderers’ supporters by helping to drive the club to promotion.
The Wales international capped off a fine individual season by winning the coveted Player of the Year award at the end-of-season dinner on Saturday night.
Sheehan joined the likes of Jay-Jay Okocha, Kevin Davies and Jussi Jaaskelainen in collecting the silver trophy which had been won last season by Liverpool loanee Conor Bradley.
It marked the high point of a long journey for the 29-year-old, who sustained a serious knee injury in his first season with Bolton which took more than 12 months out of his career.
And he says the opportunity to lead Wanderers into the Championship – either automatically or via the play-offs – would be the perfect way to celebrate.
“There are some big names on the trophy so to be a part of that is very special,” he told The Bolton News. “Hopefully now we can finish the job now, whether that’s in the play-offs or the game on Saturday at Peterborough.
“I was speaking the other day about it, and I think this is my first full season here at Bolton. Obviously the first season I got injured within three months and then it takes a while to get back from that sort of thing. Last season I missed the start and was playing catch-up.
“I am thankful to be able to show our fans week-in, week-out what I can do now because I have always had support. So, I am grateful to everyone for the chance to show what I am about and what type of player I am.”
Sheehan’s position at Wanderers looked to be in some doubt last year when he had started just four games prior to February and was running out of contract.
He was linked with a move to Exeter City but signed a new two-year deal in June and has not looked back since.
Sheehan believes the same can be true for defender George Johnston, who needed surgery on a knee injury sustained in pre-season and has recently returned to full training.
“I think some people did question whether I was going to get back to where I was, back to my best, and that gave me some motivation,” he said.
“I am hoping I have proved that now – and I am sure that Jonno will next season too because he will be back pre-season.
“When people write you off you use it as motivation, and that is what I have done this season.”
Sheehan reckons being able to train last summer with no restrictions was a major part in him being able to recapture his form this season, which has included four goals and 12 assists.
When injury issues were a factor for Wanderers at the back, there were whispers that Johnston could be utilised in an emergency. But with Ricardo Santos, Gethin Jones and Caleb Taylor now back fit, Sheehan believes Johnston will also benefit from a gradual return and a full pre-season schedule.
“Having the pre-season makes a massive difference for any footballer,” he said. “Just getting my feet under the table straight away, getting the minutes in, it has all added up, helped me feel a lot stronger.
“Added to that, the fans have supported me since day one so hopefully I can repay them now and get promotion at the end of the season.”
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