Bolton Wanderers are facing a critical juncture in their season as they navigate a challenging run of form that threatens both their cup ambitions and promotion hopes. The January transfer window has intensified feelings of uncertainty at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, particularly regarding the potential departure of experienced right-back Josh Dacres-Cogley to fellow League One contenders Stockport County. First reported by journalist Alan Nixon, the move appears imminent, with a medical reportedly scheduled, according to Pete O’Rourke.
In a surprising twist, Dacres-Cogley started in Bolton’s recent 1-0 defeat to bottom-placed Port Vale in the EFL Trophy, despite the impending transfer. As Steven Schumacher considers allowing Dacres-Cogley to leave, questions arise about whether this decision could haunt the club during the crucial latter stages of the season.
Dacres-Cogley has been a reliable asset for Bolton, particularly during their successful 2022/23 campaign, where they finished fifth in League One and clinched the EFL Trophy by defeating Schumacher’s former team, Plymouth Argyle, 4-0 at Wembley Stadium. Much of that success was attributed to the contributions of loanee Conor Bradley, who excelled at right wing-back. Filling Bradley’s shoes was a tall order for Dacres-Cogley, who joined Bolton on a free transfer from Tranmere Rovers.
While Dacres-Cogley has faced criticism for not matching Bradley’s attacking output, it is essential to recognize the role he has played in stabilizing the defense. In his first season, he was named to the League One Team of the Season, helping Bolton narrowly miss out on automatic promotion and later losing in the playoff final to Oxford United. Critics often overlook the challenges posed by the cautious tactics of former manager Ian Evatt, which sometimes limited Dacres-Cogley’s attacking opportunities.
Under Schumacher’s management, the team shifted to a back four, allowing Dacres-Cogley to return to a more traditional right-back role. This change revitalized his performance, leading to a solid run where he kept fellow defender Jordi Osei-Tutu out of the starting lineup.
Bolton’s struggles have coincided with a dip in form from Amario Cozier-Duberry, their standout player in the first half of the season. Cozier-Duberry’s best performances came when Dacres-Cogley was supporting him, contributing to his four goals and four assists in essential matches this season. Since Dacres-Cogley’s absence from matchday squads, Cozier-Duberry has struggled to maintain that form, underscoring the importance of Dacres-Cogley to the team’s dynamics.
Should Dacres-Cogley’s transfer to Stockport proceed, it would represent a significant loss for Bolton. The 29-year-old defender, still uncontracted at the end of the season, would provide Stockport with a seasoned and versatile player as they pursue their promotion ambitions. For Dave Challinor and Stockport, acquiring a player of Dacres-Cogley’s caliber from a direct rival is a remarkable opportunity that could have lasting implications in the promotion race.
Bolton fans critical of Dacres-Cogley may underestimate his value until it becomes apparent in his absence. With only a few months left in the season, the decision to sanction his departure could prove detrimental, as it would end a commendable 125-game stint with the club. The impending transfer raises significant questions about the direction of Bolton Wanderers, as they prepare for an uncertain second half of the season without one of their key players.
