Long Serving Duo To Depart Reebok Ranks

By Mark Heys
May 8 2006

Jay-Jay Okocha and Bruno N'Gotty will end their long association with Bolton Wanderers this summer after Sam Allardyce confirmed that the pair will not be offered new deals at the end of their contracts.

Allardyce confirmed the news to bwfc.co.uk earlier on this evening with further announcements expected in the early part of next week as to who will remain at the club into next season.

N'Gotty became the first high profile name to link up with the Wanderers after they gained promotion to the Premiership in 2001. His composure and calmness in the heart of the Bolton defence coupled with his wholehearted professionalism made him a modern day Wanderers legend.

All in all the likeable Frenchman made 148 league appearances for the club scoring five goals. His last game in Bolton colours came in the goalless draw against West Bromwich Albion on Easter Monday.

Okocha on the other hand almost single handedly kept the Trotters in the Premiership following his Bosman move from Paris Saint Germain in the summer of 2002.

His trickery on the ball and silky skills where a sight to behold at times and his wonder goal against West Ham United three years ago is as important as any strike in the clubs history.

He had suffered with injuries in recent times but came back in the latter part of this season to contribute to the cause. Okocha made 124 appearances for the club scoring 14 goals, the last coming earlier today as the club defeated Birmingham City.

Speaking of the departures manager Allardyce said that it was a hard decision but a decision based on looking towards the future of the club.

"Jay Jay and Bruno will go down in Wanderers folklore - not only for what they brought to the Club in terms of experience and quality, but also for what they helped us to achieve during their time here. Nobody will ever forget their contribution.

"We are looking to reduce the overall age of our squad and it was a tough decision not to offer them new deals."

Walking Down the Manny Road would like to wish Bruno and Jay-Jay all the very best in their future careers. They are a credit to their profession and will always be remembered for the service which they have given to Bolton Wanderers over the last few seasons.