HOLDSWORTH SIGNS, MORE TO FOLLOW?

Former Wimbledon striker Dean Holdsworth has agreed a new two-year deal, while skipper Gudni Bergsson, Ian Marshall, Robbie Elliott, Paul Warhurst and Nicky Summerbee have all begun negotiations with boss Sam Allerdyce, but whether they extend their stay at the Reebok remains to be seen.

"I'll be sitting down with the players and their agents but some may wait to see what their options are before making a decision so I could be getting into mid-July before sorting out any real deals," he said.

"The squad was quite big by the end of the season with about 24 experienced players. It was light at the start but there were additions through the season. I took 22 players to Cardiff who all had a major part in our season.

"I think I will need about 24 players again. Dean Holden, Mike Whitlow and Jussi Jaskelainen will be back after injuries but more than likely we'll pick up an injury somewhere else. You are very lucky if you don't go through a season without long term injuries anymore."

The Bolton chief was delighted to have secured the services of Holdsworth for a further two years though, and hopes he can spearhead his side to a successful season back in the top flight.

"Dean has been outstanding for us this season and he'll be very important for us next season in the Premiership. Getting him to sign his new contract is like signing a new player," he added.

Holdsworth scored 15 goals for The Trotters last season as they won promotion via the play-offs and he was happy to coimmit his future to the club for a further two-years.

"After the fantastic year we've had it means a lot for Bolton Wanderers to be back in the Premier League. I'm really pleased to be staying on at the Wanderers and to be part of it all after three years of striving to get back where we belong," he said.