Former Reading striker released after Bolton miss out on promotion in play-off final

Bolton Wanderers have released former Reading forward Jon Dadi Bodvarsson after losing the League One play-off final.

Oxford United beat the Trotters 2-0 at Wembley Stadium to consign Ian Evatt's men to another third-tier campaign.

Bodvarsson missed the final run-in for promotion with an injury, but the Icelander still managed hit double figures for goals and achieve his best individual tally since 2018.

Hitting 10 goals in the White of Bolton, including a brace against Reading on Easter Monday, the 31-year-old last hit double figures in his debut campaign as a Royal.

In two-and-a-half years in Lancashire, Bodvarsson struck 25 goals in 94 appearances, compared to 17 in 56 for the Royals.

He wrote on social media: “Dear Bolton Wanderers and fans. My time has come to an end here. It was overall a very enjoyable time which I'll be forever grateful.

"The way the season was and how it all ended was frustrating and not what I had hoped for a variety of reasons - missing the final, injuries, minutes played etc.

“I'm sitting here in reflecting on it all while writing this and it's just a very painful thought and hard to digest. But this is not about me, it's about you fans and the club. That's the most important thing.

“I still remember the day when signing for this wonderful football club. To be honest, I wasn't in a great place mentally before joining. What I will say is that this club and you guys as a fan base helped me find myself again.

“I always tried to express myself on the pitch the best way I could and I do hope that I managed to give you some joy and a smile on your face when leaving the stadium. In the end, that's what matters the most to me.

“I want to thank my team-mates, staff and everyone involved with Bolton Wanderers for everything. I'll be a Wanderers fan for the rest of my life. My son was born here and you made me and my family so welcome. You'll be back up there, the future is bright for this fantastic football club.”