Bolton boss Dougie Freedman has revealed that Trotters midfielder Chris Eagles turned down the chance to join the Blues and Charlton prior to last week’s emergency loan deadline. The 28-year-old is currently out of favour at the Reebok Stadium but Freedman dismisses claims that there has been falling out with the one-time Manchester United trainee.

“There was a Charlton phone call and we said to him he could go and speak with them and play some football, which he didn’t take up,” Freedman told the Bolton News.

“Then we had a call from Ipswich, but Chris felt the location wasn’t right for him. I can’t guarantee him football right now so I thought it right to give him the chance, but he didn’t take it.”

He added: “It is not the case that I have a problem with him. If he continues to work hard and knuckle down, he’ll be available for selection.”

Eagles hasn’t played since starting the 1-1 draw at Millwall on February 15th, although has spent some time on the sidelines with an eye infection recently but is back in full training now.

Freedman says other players established themselves in the side in his absence: “We’ve grown into a team where certain players have come in and held on to their position. I can only pick 10 outfield players.

“You’d like to think the ones not picked would be fighting their way back in, but some can’t quite handle that situation, some sulk, some can’t handle the mental side and don’t train every week.

“Chris had an eye problem and we went to Leeds, won 5-1, and he found himself out of the team.”

Eagles is out of contract in the summer and seems unlikely to be offered new terms by Bolton with Derby having been linked with a close season move.

Hemel Hempstead-born Eagles joined the Manchester United academy from Watford when 14 but was unable to establish himself as a regular first-team player at Old Trafford.

He spent time on loan back at Watford (twice), Sheffield Wednesday and in Holland with NEC while with the Red Devils before joining Burnley on a permanent basis in 2008. He moved on to Bolton three years later.

Photo: Action Images

gazzmac4 added 09:47 - Apr 2 Would have been a useful loan for the last month or so of the season i reckon. Shame. But i dont think we are in any less of a shout of the Playoffs without him now Joniesta has agreed to stay on! COYB's!
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SouperJim added 09:47 - Apr 2 So he didn't want to swap 17th placed, season already over Bolton for 8th placed, play-off chasing Ipswich, because of location? What a pathetic excuse of a footballer, we're better off without him.
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cornishnick added 09:59 - Apr 2 MM probably covering himself in the expectation that Jonniesta was on his way to Palace.
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strikalite added 10:35 - Apr 2 Probably happy just to sit at Bolton on decent money and see out the rest of the season. No doubt he goes home to a nice house and a nice wife and just doesn't fancy the move, I can understand that...but he doesn't know what a great team spirit he'd be walking in to...though I do have a feeling he thinks he's a cut above..
4

ArnieM added 10:47 - Apr 2 another player happy to just sit and take the money. No Thanks . Defo no loss to Town.
2

PYBlue added 10:52 - Apr 2 No very professional from Freedman discussing clubs business in the press
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jpring89 added 10:53 - Apr 2 if we were in the prem location wouldnt be an issue so clearly hes a worm
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howdonblue added 10:55 - Apr 2 No great loss pre Madonna
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Robbie12345 added 10:56 - Apr 2 Only would have been back up for if Williams didn't stay. glad we didn't.. Just back from eye infection so maybe a few weeks outta the team would mean he wouldn't be on the pace of the game. He is our of favour at Bolton! Also, would any of you put him ahead of Hyam, Skuse, or even Wordy? I wouldn't.
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Jimmy86 added 11:01 - Apr 2 He's available on a free in the summer and doesn't look like being offered a new deal. Doesn't seem like a mick sort of player and might be a bit of a pretty boy but he still a decent player at this level
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Garv added 11:05 - Apr 2 Maybe he has a family? To call him a pathetic excuse of a footballer because he won't move from Bolton to Ipswich, really?
3

Popeye added 11:20 - Apr 2 More than likely his wag didn't fancy it. Ipswich nightlife and shopping not up to Manchester's standards! Bolton got massive debts and looking to slash wage bill so unlikely to be offered another contract. Town probably just interested in case Williams went back to Palace but couldn't see him starting in town's XI otherwise.
2

jas1972 added 11:29 - Apr 2 No loss. I was always happy to see his name on an opposition teamsheet as over the years he has conspicuously underperformed against us.
2

blueherts added 11:30 - Apr 2 clever headline that one Phil !! Thought we had a first option on JW in the summer !!! As for Eagles - he was ok at Watford but like some of that 'Man U' generation not quite fulfilled the potential Go get Dale Jennings next season
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Jimmy86 added 11:33 - Apr 2 I'd def move for him in the summer, but with derby being interested and possible prem football, dont think we'd stand much chance. Oh and brenner woolley on radio suffolk actually idolises him, so would get rather excited i'd imagine!!
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NicRams added 11:39 - Apr 2 Location not right? What 8th? Lol
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Alwaysablue added 11:40 - Apr 2 I'm guessing he has a young family so he could just be a man who puts them first, Christ give the guy a break
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Michael11 added 11:40 - Apr 2 That's a shame. A tricky winger with an eye for goal would have been a great signing. Hats off to McCarthy for trying to sign him.
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RonFearonsHair added 12:01 - Apr 2 I reckon it was one of our hapless MD's who had been briefed to tie up a deal for Williams by negotiating with the Eagles. Lucky escape I reckon.
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unknown100 added 12:22 - Apr 2 I always thought someone should go after him, every time I've seen him he's been a handful
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FarringdonBlue added 12:54 - Apr 2 I hardly ever comment but had to...... @ howdonblue - it's Prima Donna!! Always thought Chris Eagles was a silky footballer, might not have the onions for it though!
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SouperJim added 13:08 - Apr 2 @Garv From Bolton to Ipswich on loan, for four weeks, to put himself in the shop window and further his career. Yes, pathetic, shows very little ambition beyond getting paid to feature for their u21s. Yet another example of what is wrong with modern football and we don't want or need his type at Portman Road.
4

scooterblue added 14:01 - Apr 2 Another Lee Martin. No great loss that we didn't get him.
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mow_the_lawn added 14:14 - Apr 2 Surprised considering his contract's up in the summer. He might not have the choice of Suffolk or London then, it could be the likes of Torquay. Would have thought it sensible for him to at least accept a loan just to remind other clubs how good he was (at times) and take a punt on him. Must still be on a fair wage at Bolton. Could've been another Lee Martin though. Looks impressive in a couple of games and does nothing but play with his hair for the rest of the season.

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warktheline added 14:17 - Apr 2 There is positive side to this missed loan signing......I believe this gives us fans an insight into Mick's long term football philosophy . If you remember at the start of his tenure he stated we needed to re establish ourselves in the Championship by rolling our sleeves up and dogfighting, to compete with teams. This without doubt has been accomplished ! Stage two, an attractive brand of football would follow. If we look at some of the players signed and loaned recently, all points to this strategy. I know many of you will throw up the Taylor situation, but if the boy doesn't conform to Mick's work ethics, he stands no chance of playing. Look at Jet and Chopra....shown the door. Taylor will go the same way, I'm afraid. As for Eagles....maybe he didn't fancy putting in a shift to go with his silky skills. Look at the wee boy JW, hard working as well as skilful....Mick's kind of player, come to think of it, mine too!

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