George Taft believes being one of a host of new faces has made it easier to settle in with Wanderers.

Head coach Ian Evatt and head of football operations Tobias Phoenix have moved quickly to bring 14 new faces to the University of Bolton Stadium this summer.

Some might have fears about gelling a new squad together quickly enough to mount a challenge for promotion in League Two.

But Taft says nothing could be further from the truth, the bonding process aided by a trip to Loughborough University this week.

“I’ve settled in really well,” the towering defender told The Bolton News. 

“There’s a number of new lads so it’s easier than just being the only one.

“You’re more at ease. You’ve obviously played against some of the lads before or know people they’ve played with so you’ve got something to talk about straight away.

“Weeks like this are very important. Eating, sleeping, doing everything together, people come out of their shells and you see what they are about as a character.

“It’s great to get the week in so early and build those relationships.”

The time spent in the East Midlands included a 6-0 win over Loughborough University, which saw Taft get his name on the scoresheet.

“It’s nice to get a goal, it’s something I do want to add to my game a little bit more,” he said. 

“We’re quite a big team, especially at the back, so it’s something the gaffer is going to ask from us this year is to chip in with some goals.

“Especially from corners and free-kicks and things like that.”

The former Cambridge man has been brought in to play on the left-hand side of a back three in Evatt’s expansive tactical plan.

The 27-year-old is no stranger to the position and is relishing the challenge of what is being asked of him and his fellow defenders.

“I’m loving it,” he said.

“Everyone wants to play football and with the style of play the gaffer wants we’re having a lot of the ball at the minute.

“With the game on Tuesday we had to be patient, work the ball, work them, and tire them out.

“I played in a three last year and I think that was my best spell of football last year. I could really come out of my shell and play.

“I’m used to the position but it’s a different here. He wants us to get on the ball more and start it from the back.

“It’s nice to know that he has belief in us as defenders to come out with the ball.”

The trip to Loughborough was in part funded by the Bolton Wanderers Development Association and money raised by those who back the Lifeline, Goldline, Golden Gamble schemes and the Instant Win Scratch Tickets, something which Taft says the squad appreciate.

“All the lads know about it and they’re all so grateful because the facilities we’re staying in at the minute are top drawer,” he said.

“Everyone’s thankful, it’s really going to help us, it’s nice to get away and spend time together and get the fitness up.”