BOLTON WANDERERS have brutally released George Johnston less than 48 hours after winning promotion.
The defender, 27, donned the captain’s armband as the Trotters sealed their return to the Championship with a in the League One play-off final.
George Johnston lifted silverware after Bolton won the League One play-off final Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
But the defender has not been handed a new contract Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
And Bolton boss Steven Schumacher has already started making changes to his squad as he prepares to face the likes of West Ham, who from the Premier League on Sunday.
Johnston is among the names to have been booted out after five years at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
A club statement read: “Johnston departs as Wanderers’ longest serving senior player, having signed a few days before Josh Sheehan in June 2021 after a spell in the Netherlands with Feyenoord followed the start of his career at .
“The defender has since made 188 appearances for the Whites, with his last game Sunday’s League One play-off final win when he captained Schumacher’s side to promotion success.”
Johnston has been shown the door after notching 50 outings during Bolton’s promotion-winning campaign.
and Jordi Osei-Tutu have joined the centre-back in becoming a free agent.
And Carlos Mendes Gomes is also searching for a new challenge after not being handed a new contract following a loan spell with Exeter City.
Dempsey, 30, had been on Bolton’s books since a switch from Gillingham four-and-a-half years ago.
Bolton’s squad will be given a makeover after winning promotion Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
The midfielder got his name on the scoresheet as the Trotters in April 2023.
Osei-Tutu made the move from German side Bochum two years ago and has now won promotion from League One twice.
Johnny Kenny, Rob Apter, Ibrahim Cissoko, Marcus Forss, Corey Blackett-Taylor, Mason Burstow and have also left at the end of their loan spells.
It means Bolton’s squad will be given a makeover as they prepare for life back in the Championship.
The Trotters’ statement added: “Wanderers would like to thank Osei-Tutu, Johnston and Dempsey for their significant contribution during their time at the club – as well as those who have featured prominently as loan players during this landmark season – and wish them and all the departing players further success in the future.”
have offered academy prospects Jamie Grayson and Ollie Smith fresh terms, but Mark Isong, Sean Hogan, Jack Dallimore and Tomi Adesina have been released from the Under-21s.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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