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Elmander heads Bolton exodus

Image: Elmander: Leaving Bolton after three years and will be joined through the exit door by several other players

Bolton have announced that Jlloyd Samuel, Joey O'Brien, Tamir Cohen and Johan Elmander are to leave the club.

Samuel, O'Brien and Cohen also set to leave

Bolton have announced that Jlloyd Samuel, Joey O'Brien, Tamir Cohen and Johan Elmander are to leave the club following the expiration of their respective contracts. Elmander's future has been the subject of speculation for some time, with manager Owen Coyle admitting that a departure was possible. The Swedish striker, who arrived at the Reebok Stadium in 2008 for a club-record deal, is now expected to join Galatasaray after failing to agree a new contract with the Trotters. Samuel, O'Brien and Cohen are also senior players who have been with Bolton for a number of years and Coyle is appreciative of what they have contributed to the club. "I wish all the players who are departing the club all the very best," Coyle told Bolton's official website. "I want to thank them for their efforts and professionalism. Ultimately when these decisions come about they're made for footballing reasons."

Young and exciting

Bolton have also confirmed that Daniel Sturridge and Rodrigo will be returning to Chelsea and Benfica respectively following loan spells this season. Sturridge has made a huge impact since joining in January but now wants to return to Stamford Bridge and challenge for a regular first-team place, although he has stated that he will look elsewhere if he does not get that opportunity. Coyle had been keen to extend the stays of both Sturridge and Rodrigo, who played less frequently but still made a positive impression. "Daniel and Rodrigo have both come into the club on loan deals and have done wonderfully well," said Coyle. "We like young and exciting players at the football club and the two have shown they have the potential to continue to grow and develop." Bolton have also taken up a one-year option to extend Robbie Blake's deal and are involved in ongoing negotiations with Ricardo Gardner and Tope Obadeyi. Ali Al Habsi is to return to Bolton following a successful loan stint at Wigan, while Danny Ward will come back from Huddersfield after the League One play-off final. Sam Sheridan, Maison McGeechan and Tom Eckersley have all also left Bolton.

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