Stelios Inks New Contract

By Mark Heys
August 26 2005

Stelios Giannakopoulos has ended speculation about his future by signing a new three year contract to stay with Bolton Wanderers..

The 31-year old Greek international was due to be out of contract with Bolton next summer and clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester City had both made strong enquiries about the player in recent weeks.

Even up until this week it remained unclear as to whether or not the former Olympiakos player would remain at the Reebok Stadium, but now we have a definate answer which will end the countless rumours.

A delighted Bolton manager Sam Allardyce praised the attitude of the player throughout what was an uncertain period.

"We have been working hard behind the scenes to get this agreed and I'm delighted that we can put all the speculation behind us.

"Throughout, Stelios has been very professional and he can now look forward to playing his best football at Bolton.

"I was concerned earlier this week that we might have lost him but in the end he always wanted to stay loyal to me and the club. He is a terrific little player and a real match-winner.

"I hope we can move on now and try to add to the squad before the transfer window closes next week."