Source: Daily_Mail
Darren Pratley signs for Bolton Wanderers
ShareBolton have made their first signing of the summer after Swansea midfielder Darren Pratley agreed a four-year deal.[LNB]The 26-year-old made 199 appearances during a five-year spell with the Swans, his last being in the npower Championship Play-off final win over Reading at Wembley which secured promotion to the Barclays Premier League.[LNB] Free transfer: Darren Pratley (left) arrives from Swansea City[LNB]'We're delighted to have Darren here,' Wanderers manager Owen Coyle said.[LNB]'A number clubs were interested in him and we are pleased to have secured his services.'[LNB][LNB]'He's an exciting player, who has the right characterto blend into our squad. He is a good addition as we look to progress our clubfurther in the upcoming season.'[LNB]Pratley becomes the second of the Swansea's play-off winning side to depart on a free after goalkeeper Dorus de Vries opted to move to Wolves.[LNB]And the former Fulham midfielder admitted the decision to move to the Reebok Stadium was the biggest of his career.[LNB] Big decision: Pratley jumps ship despite Swansea's promotion[LNB]'It was nice to leave Swansea on a high after gaining promotion to the Premier League and I'm now looking forward to showing the fans what I can do here,' the 26-year-old said.[LNB]'It was the biggest decision of my footballing career so far to leave Swansea.[LNB]'I enjoyed playing and living there and the club have been extremely good to me.[LNB]'It was always going to be a big decision for me regardless of whether Swansea got promoted or not.[LNB]'What's important to me is that I join Bolton as a Premier League player after that play-off final.[LNB] Looking to the future: Pratley can't wait to get started at Bolton[LNB]'I was delighted to have gained promotion with Swansea. I leave there wishing them well and I'd like to thank everyone there for supporting me.[LNB]'Now I'm really looking forward to Monday and getting into training and meeting the lads.[LNB]'The manager outlined some exciting plans and we had a good chat. I'm fully focused on playing well for Bolton.[LNB]'The fans can expect someone who always gives 100%.[LNB]'I like to get around the pitch and am a bit of a box-to-box player and hopefully I can chip in with a few goals.[LNB]'I managed to get 12 in my last season with Swansea. Hopefully I can continue to score goals from midfield at Bolton.'[LNB] Bolton and Tottenham keen to pounce for Egyptian free agent Abd RaboNewly-promoted Swansea sign Spurs defender Caulker on season-long loan All the latest Bolton news, features and opinionAll the latest Swansea news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: Owen Coyle
