Bolton show ambition with Elmander capture

Filed in archive Premiership 2007-08 on June 29, 2008

Bolton Wanderers, who narrowly avoided relegation last season, have signed Sweden striker Johan Elmander on a three-year deal from French club Toulouse in a deal believed to be worth about £10million.

The twenty-seven year old striker started two of Sweden's three Euro 2008 group matches and the former Brondby striker scored a hat-trick against Bordeaux in the final match of the 2007 season, guiding his side to third in France's Ligue 1 as well as clinching a Champions League qualifying slot.

Elmander made his Sweden debut in 2002 and has featured 38 times for his country, scoring 11 goals.

He becomes the second new signing at the Reebok Stadium after the £5m capture of Fabrice Muamba from Birmingham.

Manager Gary Megson has said that he expects more new faces before the start of next season.

"I am still on the lookout for other players to boost the quality of our squad," he said.

The fortunes of Bolton took a serious nosedive after Sam Allardyce left the club for his ill fated spell at Newcastle. Under Sammy Lee, the club seemed to be plummeting towards relegation. He was moved on and against the wishes of many Bolton fans Megson was brought in. They stumbled and bumbled along but just managed to keep their premiership status.

These signings suggest that Bolton are looking to come back next season with a bang. It could just be that last season was simply a blip and they might be fighting it out for a european place again next year.