FORMER Wanderers youngster Will Jaaskelainen “needed a fresh challenge” following his release from Crewe.

The young goalkeeper, who is the son of Bolton legend Jussi Jaaskelainen, spent several years in the Whites' youth ranks.

He was released by Wanderers in the summer of 2017 and went on to join Crewe, where he would go on to make 95 first-team appearances.

Following loan spells with Nantwich and Chester, Jaaskelainen became the Railwaymen’s first-choice goalkeeper during the 2019/20 campaign as they won promotion from League Two.

He was also a regular starter the following season as Crewe earned a respectable mid-table finish in the third tier.

But opportunities have been hard to come by in recent months after losing his place in the side to David Richards.

And Jaaskelainen is now a free agent after being told he would not be offered fresh terms at the Mornflake Stadium.

Assistant manager Lee Bell had nothing but positive things to say about the young goalkeeper but insists both parties felt it was time to move on.

“Dave came into the team and did well enough to become the number one and we felt that Will needed a fresh challenge and he felt the same way too,” he told the club’s website.

“He is a smashing fella, he is a top professional. He trains well every day and everyone wishes him well at his next club.

“Now it is up to Dave Richards to keep the number one spot for next season.”

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