Sam Ricketts: We tried hard to keep James Bolton at Shrewsbury - but we wish him well at Portsmouth

James Bolton has moved to Pompey from Shrewsbury. Picture: Pete Norton/Getty ImagesJames Bolton has moved to Pompey from Shrewsbury. Picture: Pete Norton/Getty Images
James Bolton has moved to Pompey from Shrewsbury. Picture: Pete Norton/Getty Images
Shrewsbury boss Sam Ricketts insisted he did everything he could to keep hold of James Bolton.

The right-back has become Pompey’s first signing of the summer, putting pen to paper on a three-year deal. 

Bolton made 85 appearances for the Shrews after arriving from National League side Gateshead in 2017. 

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Ricketts was keen the extend the 24-year-old’s ew Meadow stay and discussed fresh terms with him twice throughout the course of last season.

James Bolton has moved to Pompey from Shrewsbury. Picture: Pete Norton/Getty ImagesJames Bolton has moved to Pompey from Shrewsbury. Picture: Pete Norton/Getty Images
James Bolton has moved to Pompey from Shrewsbury. Picture: Pete Norton/Getty Images

However, the pull of moving to Fratton Park proved too tempting for Bolton.

Ricketts told Shrewsbury’s website: ‘Bolts is a great lad, a great character and has been great since I’ve come to the club.

‘We tried very early on to offer him a new deal and spoke again a little while a go.

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‘He wanted to see out the season and then see what was available for him.

‘He felt that at his age he’d be able to get a contract but also may get the chance to further his career elsewhere.

‘Unfortunately he chosen to do that and got himself a move to one of the biggest sides in the league.

‘He deserves the chance and we wish him well for the future.’

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Despite knowing he was going to depart New Meadow, Bolton’s attitude remained ‘first class’ throughout last term as Shrewsbury avoided League One relegation. 

Ricketts added: ‘Bolts is another player who has come to the club and pushed on to earn a better deal elsewhere.

‘Unfortunately due to his age he’s left on a free but his attitude and commitment were first class to the end of the season.’

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