Dapo Afolayan joined Bolton Wanderers at the start of the season from West Ham's youth set-up and his first season with his new side has been a largely successful one. 

This season the 24-year-old has made 44 appearances for Bolton scoring 14 goals and contributing four assists making him popular at his new home where he won the player of the year award.

Reflecting on his first year with the Whites and the decision to find himself regular football, he felt the move came at the perfect time as he told The Bolton News: "For my age it was the right time to go - I'd felt it for a few years.

"When I joined West Ham I was 20 and came from Solihull Moors in the National League and my ambition was always to play first team football.

"It didn't work out for a number of reasons, injuries, manager changes, all sorts, but again I just wanted to play first team and every window I was looking to get out on loan.

"When the opportunity to come to Bolton arrived I'd spoken to the manage about two or three days before the window closed and in my head it was done and dusted. I was buzzing because of everything I knew about the club. I just wanted to get here, play games, especially because when I arrived they were thick and fast."

Although Bolton would have hoped to finish a bit higher in the play-offs, the goal scorer feels positive about his side's season as he said: "We went on an incredible run and then to come and build on it again, especially with the fans because we only saw a little bit of them towards the end of last year when we were almost up and had pockets of them at some games.

"It has been unreal this season, so for me, it was the perfect time to come here."

The Verdict: 

Afolayan has had a brilliant first season with Bolton and it proves exactly why he was so keen to get first team football and have his chance.

He has absolutely taken the chance given to him by Bolton and it seems as though he will continue to push on in his career and do well.

Next season Bolton will be seeking for a play-off spot in the hope of achieving promotion and there is no doubt that Afolayan will want to have a big part to play in this.

If the Whites can kick on though and build on what they already have, there is no reason why we can't see the 24-year-old in the Championship very soon.