'A step forward' - First words from new Wanderers striker signing Klaidi Lolos

WANDERERS new boy Klaidi Lolos won’t let a second chance of league football pass him by.

The versatile front man found himself playing in National League North just two years ago after a promising start as a teenager at Plymouth Argyle.

Now 22, and fresh from the best goal-scoring season of his career at newly promoted Crawley Town, Greece-born Lolos is determined not to see himself slip back down the ladder after sealing a big move to Bolton.

“I was young and naïve back then when I was first in the league,” he said, looking back to his first foray into professional football at Adams Park, where he made 16 appearances in all competitions.

“I did take what I had for granted and once it did get taken away from me, I sort of told myself it's now or never. So, I gave it all I had and from then on up until now it has gone well, and I will keep striving to get better and better.

“The older you get, the wiser you get, and more experienced. Hopefully I can make it a hat-trick and get another promotion under my belt. That would be amazing.

“Bolton have got so close (to promotion) a couple of times in a row. Unfortunately, it didn't happen but hopefully this year is the year, so let's make it happen.”

Lolos scored 15 times last season and started Crawley’s play-off final win against Crewe, which put them in the same division at Wanderers for the first time since 2020/21.

The youngster had turned heads with an impressive scoring streak and had been monitored by a number of Championship and League One clubs with a view to this summer. But Bolton moved quickly to get a deal done for a player they feel can give them tactical options at the top end of the pitch.

Lolos joined up with the squad for their training camp in Portugal, and hopes to bring that same scoring form with him to the Toughsheet Stadium.

He said: “I'm looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and the whole experience. I can't wait to get going.

“When I found out from my agent that Bolton were interested, I only had one thing on my mind and that was getting the deal done as soon as possible and getting underway, so I'm grateful.

“It's a step forward. I back myself to hopefully go well and I'll give it 100 per cent. It was a very good season that we had last year with Crawley, of course, getting promoted at Wembley.

“It was exciting. I found my rhythm quite late on in the season, especially, and as soon as I scored one, another one came and another one came. It was a good end to the season and we were proud of what we achieved. To win at Wembley was an unbelievable feeling and I want to experience it again.”