Former Wanderers youngster Max Wilcox is relishing the challenge after joining Brentford’s B Team ranks.

The 18-year-old has put pen to paper over a one-year deal with the London club.

Wilcox featured for the Whites’ reserve side last season in the Central League before impressing during a trial period with the Bees.

The youngster is looking forward to working with manager Neil MacFarlane and hopes he can eventually join the list of players who have worked their way up to the first-team picture.

"It's something you always dream of playing for a club this big and I can't wait to get started. It's a top group with some great quality,” he said.

"I think Neil's a great manager. You can see it individually with his man management, tactically as well he's great, so I'm really looking forward to it.

"I like to get up and down the pitch and score goals and get blocks in at the other end. I'm an all-rounder.

"There's so many players who have gone through to the first team and even if they've not played week in, week out for the first team here, they've gone on to have good careers."

Wilcox also featured for Wanderers' Under-18 side in the Youth Alliance North West League last season.

MacFarlane is excited by the youngster's versatility and hopes he can continue to improve in the coming months.

He added: “Max has a really strong character and we feel he will complement our group.

"He is a player who can continue to develop over time, and we know he has a fantastic desire to get better and better.

“As a player he can play multiple positions in midfield and he has the ability to attack and create opportunities for others in the team. We look forward to working with him over the course of the new season.”

Social, newsletters, subscriptions and getting in touch...

You can follow the Bolton News on social media by joining us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

We also have dedicated Facebook groups on Crime & Court, Traffic & Travel, Nostalgia and our Camera Club page

If you want to make sure you don't miss the most important news stories every day, sign up to one of our free e-mail newsletters 

Gain unlimited access to the Bolton News website with a premium digital subscription

Or if you want the Bolton News newspaper delivered to your door, get in touch with our home delivery team or call us on 0800 953 0227

Finally, have you got a story for us? If so, contact us at newsdesk@theboltonnews.co.uk or by using our online contribution form