FORMER CITY STAR DETERMINED TO MAKE THE MOST OF SECOND CHANCE
RELEASED Coventry City youngster Jak Hickman has landed a move to League Two side Bolton Wanderers.
The 21-year-old has penned a oneyear deal at the University of Bolton Stadium as he looks to resurrect his damaged football career.
As a Sky Blues youngster, Hickman caused controversy when a video of him claiming to have “heavy pockets” thanks to a healthy footballer’s salary while away on holiday in Ibiza went viral on social media.
The video damaged his Coventry career after a number of his comments about the club angered supporters.
And this summer, after remaining well out of Mark Robins plans in League One, he was released.
But now he is back in football with Bolton and is keen to prove that he has learned from his mistakes.
“I’ve been here for a few weeks but to finally get the deal over the line feels like a dream come true and I’m really excited to be here,” he said.
“I’ve made mistakes in the past but I have learned from them. The experiences have made me a better player and person.
“I’m looking forward to this next chapter. Bolton is a massive club and speaks for itself,” he added.
While at Bolton he will work under Coventry-born boss Ian Evatt who capped off a busy day for Wanderers in the transfer market by welcoming Nathan Delfouneso, another former Sky Blues man, in from Blackpool.
“Jak had issues with his previous club Coventry City after a huge mistake on social media, which he paid the price for,” said the Bolton head coach.
“I am all for giving people a chance and we have had in him over an
I’ve made mistakes in the past but I have learned from them. The experiences have made me a better player and person. Jak Hickman
extensive period to test him technically, tactically, physically and, more importantly, mentally – he came through with flying colours.
“He has a lot of ability for a young player and now has the chance to get his career back on track. Jak has learned his lesson and has my full support,” he said.
n Former City defender Jordan Clarke has signed a new contract with Scunthorpe United and has been appointed captain.
The 28-year-old has extended his deal by another year ahead of the club’s League Two campaign. And another ex-city defender Richard Keogh has signed for League One club MK Dons.
Keogh had been looking for a club since he was sacked by Derby County in October on the grounds of gross misconduct after he was involved in a car crash which resulted in teammates Tom Lawrence and Mason Bennett being convicted of drinkdriving.
The Republic of Ireland international suffered a serious knee injury in the incident, which he is still in the process of recovering from.
He lost an appeal against his sacking and has since taken the matter to the EFL.