Bolton Wanderers have secured the signing of prolific non-league scorer Charlie Warren as their latest signing of the summer.
Warren has joined the Whites on an initial two-year deal, with an option for an additional 12 months, from Isthmian League North Division outfit Felixstowe and Walton United.
The 21-year-old prospect top scored with 34 goals to help the Seasiders finish second in their league and win the Suffolk Premier Cup last season and also scored for Wanderers as a trialist in a B Team fixture in February.
Warren impressed against Blackburn Rovers in a Lancashire FA Senior Cup tie and after staying on Wanderers’ radar now gets the chance to move into the professional ranks for the first time after the Whites agreed a compensation fee to bring the highly-rated youngster to the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
“I've always wanted to be a professional and it’s something I've always worked towards,” said Warren, who spent time in the Academy set-up with hometown club Ipswich Town before being released as a 14-year-old and taking the non-league route back towards the top.
“I didn't let leaving Ipswich at that age affect me. I just kept trying to push and I knew that there'd be a way from non-league. I just needed the right opportunities and scoring most weeks also helped put my name out there.
“I did feel like last season I was progressing the most and I did feel like this could be the one where I get that pro contract. It's a big achievement for me and I'm proud of it.
“Bolton is a massive club and it's a massive step up for me but I feel like I'm ready for the challenge and I'm just excited to go and start.”
Warren spent the last four years at Felixstowe following a spell with Needham Market and attracted interest from other EFL clubs thanks to his goalscoring output last season.
Wanderers have won the chase to give him his big break and the attacking wide player will now be looking to make his mark alongside the Whites’ other young players when he starts pre-season training later this month.
“I just want to slowly work my way in and see where that takes me, work hard in pre-season and hopefully make my way up towards the first team,” Warren told Wanderers TV.
Wanderers Head Coach Steven Schumacher added: “We’re delighted to win the race to bring Charlie to the club. He made a great impression on us all when he trialled earlier in the year and we’ve kept a keen eye on his progress, working to get this sorted once his season concluded.
“He’s a young player with clear potential and a good goalscoring instinct. This is an excellent opportunity for him to step up and continue his football education within our environment, and we’re looking forward to working with him and helping him develop.”