Owen Coyle was delighted to confirm Martin Petrov and Robbie Blake as Boltons first two summer signings.
Bulgarian Petrov was available on a free transfer after his contract at Manchester City expired. He agreed terms with the Wanderers last week and his transfer was confirmed today. Petrov has signed a two-year contract with the Greater Manchester club.
“He’s someone I’ve admired for a long time because he’s a top-class player and this is a tremendous signing for the club,†said Coyle.
“As far as I’m concerned he’s probably one of the best Bosman transfers available. To try to purchase him on the market last year then it would have cost you four or five million pounds easily.
“He has played in a Manchester City side – one which was going for the Champions League – over the last few years so that tells you the level that he’s played at. Plus he’s got a tremendous pedigree having played at major European clubs like Wolfsburg and Atletico Madrid as well.
“He can play on the left, play on the right and behind the main striker, so he has different dimensions to his play. He’s an exciting player, a creator of goals and he’s also a scorer of goals and he’s a tremendous all-round player.â€
The 31 year old has scored 67 goals in a club career that has spanned more than 300 games. He also has 77 caps for his country.
Coyle also announced the signing of Burnley’s 34 year old forward Robbie Blake, also on a free.
“I worked with him for two fantastic years and I am pleased to link up with him again because I know a number of clubs were interested in securing his signature,†Coyle said.
