Bolton Wanderers will be hopeful of competing in the top half of League One next season after such an excellent 2021 pushed them to win promotion to the third-tier. 

After a difficult start to the campaign, Ian Evatt's side picked up 51 points from 22 games to seal a place in League One on the final day of the season.

In preparation for the upcoming League One campaign and to ensure his side remain competitive, Evatt has made eight new signings.

However, it is an existing member of the squad that is continuing to impress the former Barrow manager this time around.

Dennis Politic, who missed the entirety of the 2020/21 promotion-winning campaign through injury, has had a full pre-season to get back up to speed.

Speaking to Bolton News about Politic and his progression, Evatt said: “He has talent...He can do things that not many other people can, but the way the game is going, you have to be good out of possession.

“Dennis needs to work on that side of the game, but as a footballer he takes your breath away at times. We’ve just got to work with him on the other part of it.”

“Dennis is extremely driven for a young player. He is very career minded and career focused. He looks after his body, he trains really hard in the gym, and he has reaped the benefits of that now."

The verdict

Politic will feel like a new signing once he gets started this season because of the lengthy spell he has spent on the sidelines.

It is always very unfortunate when a young player - or even any player - suffers a long-term injury, however, he has shown determination and quality to get himself back to a level where his manager is praising him like this.

Politic may play an integral role in Bolton's season this year. Given his quality and industrious nature, he will work relentlessly to work himself into the starting team.

Confidence will still be high after the brilliant finish Bolton had last season. If Evatt can keep pushing his squad and avoid too many injuries, then Bolton have an excellent chance of enjoying another season of challenging for promotion.