I’ll admit, I had some reservations when James Bolton first arrived in Paisley.
Two years had passed in the big centre-back’s career since he last played upwards of 20 matches in a single season.
In the year before checking in at St Mirren, he played just eight times.
It’s not exactly the consistency and dependability you desperately seek in a centre-back – then again, that’s probably the only reason there was ever the chance to sign him.
We’ve all heard it countless times before, ‘You’ve got some player…if you can keep him fit’.
Well, credit to Stephen Robinson and the backroom staff at St Mirren, they did exactly that.
No fewer than 27 outings, only missing three matchday squads in total and playing a crucial role in the defence when he properly broke into the team. It was a pretty successful season for Bolton.
It’d be far too simple then for St Mirren to keep hold of Bolton for another season with the defender under contract until next summer.
Unfortunately, Bolton’s stellar performances last season didn’t go unnoticed by other clubs prompting a transfer approach from Fleetwood Town.
It’s frustrating, it’s a disappointment but it’s very good business.
Robinson has a reputation for shrewd signings and turning a profit in the transfer window. He didn’t quite manage it with Ryan Strain and Keanu Baccus – but their contributions perhaps outweighed an early exit and transfer fee.
But with Bolton, Robinson might have worked his magic to get a six-figure transfer price for a useless 29-year-old.
When we take fan sentiment out of the picture for a moment, the balance sheet’s £0 to £100,000 (minimum) amount speaks for itself.
It would be difficult to locate a St Mirren fan actively advocating for Bolton’s transfer out, but when everything is taken into account—including the potential that the player may choose to return to England—it all makes sense.
The only question that remains is what would Bolton’s potential departure mean for Robinson and his team in front of the upcoming campaign?
Going into the new season, Alex Gogic, Marcus Fraser, and Richard Taylor would probably be the starting central three defenders.
Next, you would notice that Gallagher Lennon and Luke Kenny seem to be staying in Paisley.
Beyond that, Oisin Smyth, who has experience in the position but is more productive in a midfield position, might be forced into a wide center-back position, forcing Shaun Rooney into it.
Although Mark O’Hara may also go deeper, the team’s balance would most likely suffer more from it than benefit.
In the unlikely event that Bolton’s planned move south is approved, Robinson will almost definitely need to look for a new player.
Additionally, there would be space for maneuver and the ability to bolster the backline with additional funds earned on Bolton.
Far from a crisis, a bid for Bolton proves the St Mirren recruitment model is working – Robinson just needs to capitalise on it.
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