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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
John McDougall

'Didn't see this coming' - Bolton Wanderers fans give verdict on Harry Brockbank's departure

Harry Brockbank has ended his time at Bolton Wanderers which spans some 16 years.

The 23-year-old joined Wanderers aged just seven and went on to play a total of 37 times for the club in all competitions.

Brockbank made his first-team debut in the Championship in April, 2019 following a loan spell in the National League with Salford City.

READ MORE: Darrell Clarke on why Port Vale did not seal Bolton Wanderers' Dennis Politic permanent transfer

Brockbank then made eight appearances the following season, including one as captain when Wanderers fielded the youngest side in their history in a 0-0 draw with Coventry City in August, 2019 while the club was in administration.

The full-back played 18 times in League Two last season to help Ian Evatt’s men win promotion and has featured seven times this term, with his final appearance in a Wanderers’ shirt coming as a substitute at Rotherham on New Year’s Day.

He has now been released from his Bolton contract, which had been due to run until the summer of 2023, to pursue an opportunity in the USA.

Wanderers fans have taken to Twitter to have their say on the academy product's departure.

Though some have expressed surprise at the departure, supporters are united in their praise of the 23-year-old's contributions in a Bolton shirt and in particular being part of the youngest side Wanderers have ever fielded against Coventry City in 2019.

Andrew Broome wrote: "Wish him nothing but success. Say what you want about his ability at this level or whatever, he’s give his all every damn game he’s played & nobody can question his commitment. Forget the player, we’ve lost a quality person. Go and smash it lad."

Philip Gradwell wrote: "Cheers Brocky, captain on one of the most important days in #bwfc recent history. Will never be forgotten."

@ciarangoodram2 posted: "All the best, but definitely needed a different challenge."

@ab1d03 posted: "All the best Brocky."

Chris Merrills wrote: "Didn't see this coming. Wish nothing but the very best for the lad. Stepped up when we needed him and forced his way into the squad. Gave nothing but his all and will always be well thought of. Good luck Brocky and smash it out there!"

Ste Morris wrote: "Didn't see the Brockbank exit coming. Best of luck to him, a brilliant servant to the club and by the sounds of it, the best move for all party's. Hope he smashed it whatever he does next."

@John_H_1996 posted: "All the best Brocky lad! Go smash it stateside!"

@josh_bwfc posted: "Big shock this tbf. But all the best Brocky!"

Josh Alexander wrote: "Good luck to the lad hope he smashes it out there."

Paul Feeley wrote: "He's one of our own, he's one of our own, Harry Brockbank, he's one of our own. You led us through our darkest hours and pulled us through, you'll never be forgotten kiddo."

@mitchj88 posted: "All the best Brocky. Top lad who stepped up and made a difference. Legend."

@anita2003 posted: "Didn't expect this, but good luck to him."

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