BOLTON have been put off offering Phil Jagielka a deal by social media.
The former England international has been training with Wanderers after he was released by Sheffield United this week.
But their boss Ian Evatt admits the social media response to the 38-year-old’s proposed move forced him to reconsider.
All publicity isn’t good in this case and Evatt felt going forward with signing the veteran would be a distraction for his squad.
The 39-year-old, who led the Wanderers to League One promotion last season, explained how he would’ve loved to help Jagielka continue his playing career.
But he wasn’t prepared to deal with what came with signing the ex-Everton defender.
He said: “Jags asked me if he could come in pre-season and it was a yes, because I always like to help out good, experienced pros to try and stay in the game – it would have been just that.
“But then we got the media fanfare, the expectancy that fans seemed to have for signing that sort of player, it’s just no good for anybody.
“It’s certainly no good for the group, who we’re trying to hide from all the distractions and sideshows. We decided to move on.”
Despite choosing not to take the veteran on permanently, Evatt praised his desire for wanting to play on at his age.
The ex-Derby County midfielder added: “It was absolutely only for fitness.
“He wants to stay in the game, which was great, at 38 having the passion to play is fantastic.
“But as I said, we have recruited a different demographic of player this summer.
“Everyone can see what we are trying to do and he doesn’t really fit in with what we are trying to do.”
