Bolton Wanderers are reported to be the Premiership club set to sign ex-Town full-back Chris Makin on a Bosman transfer. Yesterday TWTD revealed the former Oldham, Marseille and Sunderland man had turned down the offer of another contract at Portman Road.

Despite Makin's exit, Town manager Joe Royle doesn't feel his squad is as weakened as some are suggesting: “I am reading of an exodus, but I don't see it like that. Yes, I wanted to keep both John McGreal and Jermaine Wright and I am disappointed that they decided to move on.

“But Jason De Vos has come in to replace John, while Jermaine will be replaced as I've already said this week.

“Jermaine, near as damn it, played in all our games last season, but John only managed 18 league starts because he was out injured.

“In fact, if you take John's starts and add them to those made by the other five players to leave - Alun Armstrong, Marcus Bent, Chris Bart-Williams, Martijn Reuser and now Chris Makin - you get a grand total of 59.

“And, don't forget, we had a successful season in reaching the play-offs, but none of the five were regulars.”

Makin's destination has still not been confirmed but Bolton appear the favourites. Manager Sam Allardyce has remained in the UK to continue his summer transfer activities while his squad train in Italy.

The 31-year-old's departure means a full-back is now amongst Royle's targets, along with one or perhaps even two midfielders. A striker may also come into the Town boss's plans.

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