Bolton Wanderers are navigating a challenging period as reports indicate that experienced right-back Josh Dacres-Cogley is set to join League One rivals Stockport County. This potential transfer, first highlighted by journalist Alan Nixon, comes amid a disappointing run of form for Bolton, which has already seen them exit cup competitions and jeopardize their promotion ambitions.
In a peculiar twist, Dacres-Cogley featured in Bolton’s recent 1-0 defeat to bottom-placed Port Vale during the EFL Trophy round of 16, even as a medical for his transfer to Stockport was reportedly scheduled. This situation raises questions about the decision-making of Bolton’s head coach Steven Schumacher, who might be risking the loss of a valuable player.
Dacres-Cogley has been a significant presence for Bolton since joining from Tranmere Rovers. Last season, he played a crucial role in helping the team secure a fifth-place finish in the league and win the EFL Trophy, defeating Schumacher’s former club, Plymouth Argyle, 4-0 at Wembley Stadium. His contributions have often been overshadowed by the high standards set by Conor Bradley, a Liverpool loanee who excelled in the right wing-back position.
Despite joining on a free transfer, Dacres-Cogley quickly established himself and was named in the League One Team of the Season during his first campaign. He was integral to a Bolton side that narrowly missed out on automatic promotion, falling short on the final day of the season and subsequently losing in the play-off final to Oxford United.
Schumacher’s tactical shift to a back four saw Dacres-Cogley return to a more traditional right-back role, where he thrived, notably outperforming Jordi Osei-Tutu and providing both defensive stability and attacking support. However, as Bolton’s performances have waned, the absence of Dacres-Cogley, particularly in recent matches, has limited the impact of players like Amario Cozier-Duberry, who has struggled without the right-back’s support.
Cozier-Duberry showcased his talent earlier this season, scoring four goals and providing four assists in standout performances against teams such as Lincoln City and Cardiff City. Yet, since Dacres-Cogley’s omission from matchday squads at the beginning of December, the winger’s form has dipped, indicating a lack of synergy in the squad.
If Dacres-Cogley’s move to Stockport is finalized, Bolton may be giving a promotion contender a significant boost. The prospect of acquiring a versatile and experienced 29-year-old defender from a direct rival is likely to be seen as a major coup for Stockport’s manager, Dave Challinor.
As Bolton fans weigh in on Dacres-Cogley’s performance, some may be quick to criticize, yet history has shown that the club could regret his departure as the season progresses. His impressive tally of 125 appearances for the club reflects his dedication and skill, and losing him could leave a gap that proves difficult to fill.
