Move For Icelander Confirmed By Bolton

Gretar Steinsson (right)
By Mark Heys
January 16 2008

Bolton Wanderers have officially confirmed that they have signed Icelandic international Gretar Steinsson from AZ Alkmaar with the defender coming on a three year contract and costing around £3.5 million

The 26-year old completed his move to the Reebok Stadium yesterday afternoon and he will go straight into the Bolton squad for their game against Newcastle United at the weekend.

In the 2002-2003 season Steinsson had an unsuccessful trial with the Wanderers but he has been able to build up his career in Swiss and Dutch football since then.

His move to the club came largely on the recommendation of ex-Bolton captain Gudni Bergsson and he has also sought advice from Wanderers players past and present such as Eidur Gudjohnsen, Arnar Gunnlaugsson and Heidar Helguson.

Speaking to the clubs official website, the player says he still recognises a few faces from when he was at the club previously and he praises the influence of countryman Bergsson.

"I was here training five and a half years ago with the team and I recognise a lot of players. I'm just glad because I've been waiting a long time to come here. I was really frustrated when I didn't get a contract five and a half years ago. I have been waiting a long time to come over and now I'm here.

"Gudni Bergsson wanted me to come over and he said good things about me to Sam Allardyce. He wanted to have some Icelanders when he went away so he pointed Bolton at me then and it just didn't work out at the time - but I'm glad I've got the opportunity now."

 "I saw Gudni here when I came the first time - he really is a big player because he's got a lot of respect from the players, the staff and the fans. He was hard working, honest and a really nice guy. He worked hard for the Club which is what the fans want and what the players want. They want to give everything they have. He's got the Icelandic mentality. A lot of Icelanders have come to this Club and done well and the players I spoke to told me to come here: Eidur Gudjohnsen and Arnar Gunnlaugsson."

Steinsson also stated that current Wanderers striker Heidar Helguson played a part in persuading him tp come to English football and help Bolton out of their current predicament in the Premier League..

"I spoke to Heidar last week and he told me to come. He told me I'd be crazy not to come. I'd already made up my mind, there were just a few small things, and I said to my club (Alkmaar) - this is the club I want to play for, this is a big club for Icelandic players and it is the right time and opportunity for me in my career."

WALKING DOWN THE MANNY ROAD WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME GRETAR TO BOLTON