WANDERERS youngster Mitchell Henry says he has not been offered a professional contract and will be leaving the club.

The 18-year-old has been regularly involved for the Whites' reserve side in the Central League this season.

He has also made four appearances at first-team level this term as Ian Evatt handed several young players opportunities in the Papa John’s Trophy.

Henry had nothing but positive things to say about his time at Wanderers and is now looking forward to “a new challenge elsewhere”.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to everyone involved in my journey at Bolton Wanderers over the last six years,” he wrote on his Instagram page.

“Unfortunately, I was not successful in receiving a professional contract but the time feels right to embrace a new challenge elsewhere.

“I’d also like to thank all of the fans who supported me during my spell with the first team earlier this season.

“I wish everyone involved with this great club all the luck and success in years to come.”

The Whites are currently recruiting players for their new 'B' team, which is set to launch next season in an attempt to bridge the gap between youth and first-team football.

The club held a trial match this week to give a variety of young players an opportunity to impress.

“We are open minded about who and what we recruit, where they have come from, we just want the best people to progress," said Evatt.

“We are new to this, and we will get some things right, some things wrong. It is a completely different experience for me because I have only ever known the first team, and it will always be my priority.

"It is nice to look at ‘what if’ and what might develop with a different cap on. The game was highly competitive and there were some stand outs.”

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