Alex Baptiste has explained his decision to leave the club, reports The Bolton News.

The 28 year old stated that being played out of position on a regular basis convinced him to leave for a season long loan to near neighbours Blackburn Rovers.

His move to Ewood Park comes just hours after he had played in Bolton's 1-1 draw at Brondby, in their first game of their Scandinavian tour, with the defender flying back to complete the deal yesterday.

Baptise stated that he consider's himself as a centre back, a position he enjoyed during his successful spell at Blackpool, however, Dougie Freedman opted to play him at left back for the majority of last season, as Baptiste made 43 appearances in an under-performing Wanderers side.

The absence of Marc Tierney, who suffered a broken leg in late September, forced the Scottish manager to play him out wide.

Baptiste was asked by the Blackburn website if it had 'worked out' at Bolton, to which he replied.

“Definitely not. I’m an honest lad and for one reason or another it just didn’t work.

“It went so well at Blackpool and everywhere else in my career I’ve done okay but for some reason it just didn’t work (at Bolton).

“Playing out of position a lot – I’m not a left back, I’ll openly admit that – but like I said, this is a fresh start and I’m really looking forward to it.”

The Nottinghamshire born defender also admitted that the move was a surprise to him personally.

“It has been hectic to say the least," he said. “I played last night for Bolton in a pre-season friendly and the manager took me to one side and told me Blackburn want me.

“I’ve been very close before (to signing for Blackburn). At one point I was actually on the motorway and heading here. But it didn’t happen.