Having battled the drop for much of the campaign, Bolton Wanderers have finally established some breathing space between themselves and the rest of the relegation pack.

Manager Phil Parkinson must be praised for his efforts in keeping the Trotters in contention this season, with many tipping the former Premier League side for an instant return to the third tier having gained promotion via the runners-up spot the previous year.

The former Bradford boss has a small squad to work with at the Macron and has found a way to draw the best from those available to him, but will look to improve upon his options in the summer.

However, this will include a cull of some of those already at the club but before he wields the axe on the tduorio, perhaps loan deals with a view to a return could work in the club's favour...

The full-back has been a peripheral figure in the north west for much of the season and is in desperate need of first-team action.

Having graduated from the academy at Premier League Liverpool, big things were expected of the defender but he failed to reach the heights many had envisaged, instead settling into a career in the Football League.

Darby needs a kick-start and a loan move could work wonders for the player, with plenty of interest sure to materialise from clubs in the third-tier.

Darby could then return to the Macron a renewed figure and ready to fight for a starting spot once again, something Parkinson should bare in mind when deciding the player's fate.

Parkinson and the Bolton fans will be desperate to see Vela remain at the club but interest in the 24-year-old's signature is sure to materialise in the summer.

Instead of selling Vela straight up however, perhaps the manager will consider sending the player out on loan for the season with a loan fee included in the agreement.

His stock could then rise if he performs well at a club higher up the pyramid and his value would continue to soar, thus making the player much more valuable to his current employers.

Many will argue that if Vela is sold they should demand the fee up front, but a long-term vision for the funds could see the Trotters land a lot more cash for the player.

Bolton fans, thoughts?