Elmander keen to play

Elmander: Relishing Bolton switch

I preferred to play rather than being paid for sitting on the bench.

Elmander on Bolton switch
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• Johann Smith

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Bolton Wanderers' new signing Johan Elmander admits first-team football was one of the major reasons behind his Reebok Stadium switch.

The Sweden international's future has been the source of much speculation this summer with teams in Italy and Spain linked with the 27-year-old former Toulouse man.

Elmander has now penned a three-year deal with Bolton and the former Brondby man is delighted to have finalised his future with the prospect of first-team football on the horizon.

"After all the speculation it feels really good to know where I will play," he told Sportbladet.

Preferred to play

"There were other clubs I could have joined and what has been written has been quite correct, but I preferred to play rather than being paid for sitting on the bench."

Elmander met with manager Gary Megson in Gothenburg prior to signing and the Swedish ace was more than happy to sign after the thoroughly productive get-together.

"It means a lot that he took the time to meet me. It was a truly positive meeting," he continued.

"He talked about my role and how he wants the team to play. I am extremely pleased.

"I have now found a club who truly believe in me and where I can get a fantastic pay."

Smith

Meanwhile, Swedish side GIF Sundsvall have handed a one-week trial to former Bolton striker Johann Smith.

The 23-year-old, who has had loan spells with Carlisle, Darlington and Stockport, is out of contract this summer after his two-year Trotters deal expired.

"He looks to be an interesting player as Bolton signed him and that makes us want to see him," sports director Cain Dotson told Sportbladet.