Bolton shot-stopper Remi Matthews has admitted that he does not yet know where his future lies after the end of the current season.

Matthews is one of 15 Bolton players who are approaching the final few months of their contract with the football club. The goalkeeper has been instrumental this season for Bolton despite their position in the Sky Bet League One table.

The former Norwich man has played 34 times thus far for Wanderers this year and was one of the few senior professionals who appeared for the club during the first few matches of the campaign.

But with his contract set to finish at the end of the season, the goalkeeper does not know whether his future lies with Bolton, or elsewhere. He told The Bolton News: “You have a lot of players out of contract – and I have said to the lads that sometimes you have to play for yourself, your career, and that will be the case of the final 12 games.

“Whether that is another contract here or elsewhere.

“I think this is the first year I will be out of contract. Every other year I have had an extension.

“It is in the back of my head. Anything could happen. I can’t sit here and say I’ll be playing here, or signing for whoever, it’s a case of taking it game by game.

“I came to Bolton because I wanted to play games, and I’ve done exactly that.

"We started well when the new manager came in and I think we have done okay. We’ve had some bad results but you look at some of the struggles we have had – even today when Hobbsy pulled up has there been much luck?

“People may say Bolton is the place not to come if you want good luck but that will soon change. I hope next season will be a lot different. The gaffer can come in early doors for pre-season, bring in the players he wants, and get things the way he really wants them."

The Verdict

The final stages of the season can be a tricky time for a professional footballer. Often there are promotion and relegation places to be filled and it may sometimes appear that the pressure is a lot more substantial. If you add to that the uncertainty of your contract expiring at the end of the season with no fresh talks for a new one, it can add a lot more pressure onto a player.

The situation with Bolton is one that has not been seen in English football for some time now. It appears that Wanderers will be playing in Sky Bet League Two barring a miraculous turn of events. Keith Hill might have concerns over his playing budget next season and therefore contracts may be the last thing on his mind.

If Bolton were to not renew Matthews' contract then he would be a clever pick up for any side in Sky Bet League One next season. He has shown so far this year that he has a lot of ability when it comes to commanding his area and stopping the ball from going into his net. With an experienced side in front of him, Matthews could become one of the top goalkeepers in the league.