Ex-Bolton Wanderers, Preston North End & Blackpool defender Alex Baptiste joins new club

Former Bolton Wanderers defender Alex Baptiste has signed for Irish club Waterford.

The 36-year-old defender departed Wanderers this summer to bring to an end his second spell with the club. Over his two spells with Bolton, he scored five goals in 103 games.

Last season, Baptiste played 18 times for Wanderers and scored once. That came on the opening day of last season with the late equaliser in a 3-3 draw against MK Dons.

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Baptiste, who also counts Preston North End and Blackpool among his former clubs, has signed for Waterford in the League of Ireland. He is poised to link up with his new team mates and wear the number five short, subject to international clearance.

Waterford Football Club’s new chairman and owner Andy Pilley said: “We are delighted to make Alex the first signing of the new era at Waterford FC.

“We have a very young and exciting side and feel with the addition of experience we can compete towards the end of the season with the play-offs in mind.

“Alex is a top professional who’s played most of his career in the top two leagues in England, to be able to persuade him to join Waterford is a real signal of intent for us all.

“We are delighted to see Alex join Danny Searle’s squad.”

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