James Bolton thriving after stepping up to Shrewsbury Town
Defender James Bolton is delighted to be ahead of schedule after settling seamlessly into League One life with Shrewsbury.
The right-back, 23, has shone in recent weeks and been one of the key factors in a resolute Town defence that has secured three successive clean sheets.
Bolton jumped two divisions in the summer after joining Paul Hurst’s side from National League Gateshead, but has made light work of adjusting to the pace of the third tier.
He put in another assured display as Town picked up a point at leaders Wigan on Tuesday.
“It’s been really nice,” said Stoke-born Bolton.
“All through the season there’s been spells of me and Joe (Riley) coming in and out, which is to be expected.
"When I came in I just wanted to play as many games as I could and I think I’ve probably played as many as I thought I would in the whole season already now.
“I’m really pleased with that.
“We both put pressure on each other, me and Joe, and we get on off the pitch.”
Bolton enjoyed three solid seasons in the National League with both FC Halifax and Gateshead, including a 2016 FA Trophy victory with the former against Hurst’s Grimsby Town.
And the ex-Stoke and Macclesfield youth player marvelled at the ‘massive’ stages he is now enjoying the opportunity of playing on.
Bolton’s eye-catching performance at the DW Stadium was his 20th appearance of the season.
He added: “Nick Powell (for Wigan), I used to play against him when I was younger but he’s played in the Champions League and I was playing in the Vanarama (National League).
“It’s massive. From where I’ve been to what I’m playing against now is really good.”
