Bolton Wanderers are grappling with a troubling run of form that has jeopardized their cup ambitions and threatens their promotion hopes. As the January transfer window approaches, uncertainty looms at the Toughsheet Community Stadium. One significant development involves experienced right-back Josh Dacres-Cogley, who is reportedly close to joining League One rivals Stockport County.
The situation has taken an unusual turn, as Dacres-Cogley was in the starting lineup during Bolton’s recent 1-0 defeat to Port Vale, the bottom team in League One, in the EFL Trophy round of 16. Despite this, reports indicate that a transfer to Stockport is nearly finalized, with a medical scheduled, as mentioned by football journalist Pete O’Rourke. This potential exit raises questions about whether head coach Steven Schumacher is making a critical error by allowing the defender to leave.
In the previous season, Dacres-Cogley was a vital part of the Bolton squad. The team finished fifth in the league and celebrated victory in the EFL Trophy, defeating Schumacher’s former team, Plymouth Argyle, 4-0 at Wembley Stadium. During that campaign, Conor Bradley, a Liverpool loanee, emerged as a standout player, especially in the right wing-back position. Following Bradley’s departure, Dacres-Cogley was brought in on a free transfer from Tranmere Rovers to fill that role.
While expectations were high, many fans unfairly compared Dacres-Cogley to Bradley, overlooking the adjustments needed for a player stepping up from League Two to League One. In his first season, Dacres-Cogley earned a spot in the League One Team of the Season and contributed significantly to a squad that narrowly missed automatic promotion. His defensive skills were often overshadowed by a perceived lack of attacking contribution, which some attributed to the conservative tactics of former manager Ian Evatt.
Since Schumacher’s appointment, the tactical shift to a back four allowed Dacres-Cogley to revert to a more traditional right-back role, where he excelled and even kept Jordi Osei-Tutu out of the starting eleven. The initial half of the current season saw Bolton’s best performances when Amario Cozier-Duberry was thriving, particularly in matches against teams like Plymouth Argyle and Lincoln City. Dacres-Cogley’s presence provided essential support, enabling Cozier-Duberry to shine.
Since Dacres-Cogley’s recent exclusion from matchday squads, Cozier-Duberry’s form has declined. The absence of Dacres-Cogley has limited the team’s attacking options and defensive solidity, hampering their overall performance. Allowing a key player to move to a direct promotion rival like Stockport could prove detrimental for Bolton as they strive to secure a playoff spot.
Stockport County, under the management of Dave Challinor, would benefit greatly from acquiring a seasoned 29-year-old defender who still has much to offer. Dacres-Cogley has been part of Bolton’s journey and has played 125 matches for the club, making his possible departure a significant loss. While fans critical of Dacres-Cogley may think they are better off without him, they might soon realize the value he brought to the team once he is no longer there.
As the transfer window progresses, Bolton Wanderers must carefully evaluate the implications of letting Dacres-Cogley depart, weighing the potential regret of losing a player who could be pivotal in the second half of the season.
