'Best year of my life' - Maghoma reflects on Wanderers loan

Paris Maghoma has shared an emotional message to Wanderers fans after his loan spell from Brentford ended in heartbreak against Oxford at Wembley.

The midfielder picked up an injury in the opening minutes of the play-off final and was eventually forced off in the second half, with Kyle Dempsey coming on in his place as the Whites missed out on promotion to the Championship.

Maghoma has become a fan favourite at Bolton over the past season, making 50 appearances in all competitions and being named Young Player of the Year at the recent End of Season Awards night.

He wrote on social media: “I’m not sure where to even begin, the game on Saturday has truly broken my heart. We didn’t give you the performance that you deserved. You’ve cheered us on this season, you’ve been our 12th man. You’ve helped us push through and on the most important day, we couldn’t deliver and for that I am sorry.

“This season, playing for this amazing club has been the best year of my life. You’ve treated me like family, from the staff, the players and you fans. It’s been nothing but a joy playing at the Toughsheet. I’ve enjoyed every single moment of it, the highs and also the lows.

“Because of the tremendous love I’ve been shown, on Saturday after the first minute I knew that I couldn’t give up. I knew I had to try and fight and do everything in my power to carry on. But at the end of the day, I couldn’t. I really wanted to end the season on a high but I guess God had something else planned.

“Next season, Bolton are going to need its fans to support, cheer and push the team through so I ask that you stick with the club, keep the belief, be the anchor and help the club get promotion into the Championship.

“Bolton, you have a very special place in my heart. I’ve made memories and friends that I will cherish for life. Once a Wanderer, always a Wanderer.”