Bolton Wanderers yesterday announced their fourth signing of the summer, signing Polish right-sided player Pawel Olkowski on a two-year deal.
He had largely been a backup player at German side Cologne in recent seasons, but his career seemed to have gone the same way as the club itself in the last couple of years. Making a dozen appearances as they qualified for Europe a couple of seasons, his game-time dropped last season as they were relegated from the Bundesliga with something of a whimper.
He should provide decent competition for Mark Little, and it might, even should, mean that Stephen Darby could leave, as there’s no need for three senior right-backs.
Phil Parkinson revealed that there was competition from at least another couple of clubs: “He attracted strong interest from a German and Italian club and we have worked really hard to get the deal done,” the manager said.
I think his Bundesliga experience and the pace of the game there will help, I’ve more confidence someone who has played in Germany should have less of a problem adapting to the Championship than someone coming from Spain for example. We’ll see how he gets on in time. Just hope he gets paid on time.
As in good for him.
— Christopher Lash (@rightbankwarsaw) July 10, 2018