'An honour' - Declan John sends parting message to Wanderers fans

Declan John says it has been “an honour” to play for Wanderers after his exit from the club was confirmed.

The Welshman is one of three senior players leaving the Toughsheet Community Stadium this summer along with Jon Dadi Bodvarsson and Cameron Jerome.

John joined the Whites in January 2021, initially on loan from Swansea before making the move permanent the following summer.

The 28-year-old helped Ian Evatt’s side achieve an unlikely promotion from League Two and then finish ninth in the third, scoring in a memorable 6-0 victory against former club Sunderland.

John made 27 appearances the following campaign including the 4-0 win against Plymouth in front of nearly 80,000 supporters at Wembley as Bolton won the EFL Trophy.

He also featured in the play-off semi-final second leg at Barnsley as the side narrowly missed out on a return to the national stadium, losing 1-0 on the night.

The full-back spent the past season on loan at Salford, playing 33 times as Karl Robinson’s side finished 20th in League Two.

John is grateful for his time at Wanderers and hopes the club will have more success in the future.

He wrote on social media: “To everyone at Bolton Wanderers, my time at the club has now come to an end.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved with the club including staff, players and fans for your support over the past three seasons.

“I’ve loved every minute of my time at the club! It’s been an honour to wear the shirt. I wish the club nothing but success for the future. All the best, DJ.”