Bolton Wanderers defender pinpoints Marlon Fossey & James Trafford strengths in exciting verdict

George Johnston believes Marlon Fossey was 'massive' for Bolton Wanderers in the second half of last season while James Trafford dealt with the pressure of playing in front of big crowds well for a young player.

Wing-back Fossey arrived from Fulham while goalkeeper Trafford joined from Manchester City in the January transfer window. The duo proved to be a hit during the second half of the campaign.

Fossey played 16 times and scored once before a torn meniscus injury concluded his loan spell earlier than intended and brought about a premature end to his season. Trafford meanwhile became Bolton's number one goalkeeper in the the second half of the campaign in place of Joel Dixon.

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He played 22 times for the club and kept clean sheets in his first four games, setting a club record in the process. Both players have now departed Wanderers for the meantime to head back to their parent clubs.

Both players have contracts at their parent clubs until the summer of 2023, but Ian Evatt has made no secret of the desire to have the duo back at Wanderers for next season. The club is planning to have the bulk of its transfer window business done by the start of pre-season in mid-June and a trip to Portugal.

And Johnston believes the loan duo added a lot to Wanderers during their times at the club. The defender pinpointed the defensive and attacking aspects of Fossey's game, as well as commending Trafford for his performances despite his young age.

He said: "Marlon brought a lot of energy, it was something we needed on the right side. He was massive for us, defensively and going forward. He was just a huge part of our game