JAMIE THOMAS: The Exclusive Interview

We interviewed Jamie briefly over the summer, and he was incredibly kind and professional when offering to do another one.

For those who don`t know, he is an 18 year old striker who has impressed for both the U18 and U21 squad with his goals and technical ability. He has also shone on the international stage for Wales.

Jamie, when did you first join the Bolton Wanderers youth setup?

I signed my first contract with BWFC for the U16’s after spending 8 years under contract with Blackpool FC

Growing up, who was your biggest inspiration as a footballer?

As a young footballer growing up, Ronaldo has been a huge inspiration to me- his dedication to training, technique, and desire to be the best. From a personal point of view, my Mum and Dad have been my biggest inspiration. They have given up everything to help me achieve my
dream and my Dad played semi pro football for many years and has been a huge influence, advising on how to develop as a player and also how to look after myself on the pitch.


Neil Lennon replaced Dougie Freedman as manager in October, what sort of impact has he and the new U21s coach Iain Brunskill made for you?

Massive- the whole outlook at the club has changed, the boss and Iain spend a lot of time at the academy, taking the time to speak to the younger lads, encouraging them and letting them know that if they perform consistently well enough then they will get their chance. These things that, as a young player, you want to hear, it can inspire to the next level and with the help of the U18’s coach David Lee, who has always believed in me as a striker, I hope I can go onto repay his faith by making the next step up.

In the last few months, established strikers Eidur Gudjohnsen, Emile Heskey (who you came replaced during an U21s match) and Adam Le Fondre have joined. What has it been like working
with them?

Being mainly with the 18’s this season I haven’t had the chance to work and train with them, but just seeing them at the club is a real inspiration to all of us at the academy, these players have performed at the very highest level and we can’t fail to learn from them.

Despite missing much of the start of the season due to a knee operation, you`ve been right among the goals- scoring 13 so far this year. How have you found this season so far?

For a number of reasons this year has been a very frustrating one for me, none more so than picking up my injury , I was on a very good scoring run at the time but I suppose those are the kind of highs and lows a footballer has to be prepared for.

I’ve still managed to bag 13 goals in the league so far though, and I’m very proud of that achievement given all the circumstances, this season has certainly made me stronger, both mentally and as a footballer.



You`ve featured for the Wales U19 squad recently on several occasions- scoring a few goals as well! How has this experience been?

It’s been amazing to get called up to the National squad, it’s a totally different experience to club football and the Wales FA are superb, I’ve started 3 games for them and scored in every game, and international experience like that really makes me believe in my ability and that I am ready to move onto the next level.

How would you describe yourself as a player for those who have not seen as much as you, and what are your main strengths?

If I had to describe myself as a player I suppose it would be a modern day No10 , I like to drift away from my market in and around the area to receive the ball and thankfully I seem to have been blessed with the ability to find the back of the net! Being right AND left footedIs a big advantage too- I don’t have to think twice if I receive the ball to either foot!

It must be amazing to see the likes of academy graduates Zach Clough and Josh Vela playing well for the first team. Do you hope to emulate their success?


Seeing Zach and Josh doing so well is fantastic, I’ve trained a lot with Zach and he’s a really nice bloke as well as a top player so everyone is really pleased for him with his success , and of course I would love to emulate both of them, but who knows what the future holds- my contract is up in June so I suppose we will just have to wait and see what happens.

Thanks very much to Jamie (@JamieThomas60) for answering our questions- he is certainly a very bright prospect. The last person we interviewed was Andy Kellett- now at Manchester United- so who knows what an interview at Vital Bolton can get you!