B TEAM boss Matt Craddock has hailed Andrew Tutte’s impact since taking up his player-coach role.

Tutte has been working with the young Whites since the start of the campaign after his playing contract expired over the summer.

His time on the pitch was limited last season after suffering a torn hamstring, although he did make an appearance in the Papa Johns Trophy.

Craddock says the 32-year-old’s coaching has come a long way in a short space of time and is grateful to have him on board.

“Tuttey has been absolutely fantastic,” he told The Bolton News. “He has come on so far in such a short space of time.

“He has been in this role probably six months and his coaching has really come on. When he started, he probably hadn’t done a day’s coaching in his life apart from a coaching qualification.

“He has just come on so much, and what I really like about him is he has got an open mind and really wants to learn. He works really hard and is fantastic to have around the players on a day-to-day basis.

“He is fantastic from a coaching point of view. Him, Dave (Gardiner) and myself work closely together and it works really well.

“And when he plays – he came back (against Huddersfield) and managed to get 45 minutes in because he injured his calf against Blackpool.

“He just brings his experience and leadership. That is his job and he is doing it really well.”

George Thomason featured in the recent 2-0 defeat against Huddersfield’s B Team as he stepped up his recovery from a knee injury.

The midfielder spent several months on the sidelines after suffering a dislocation and also tearing a ligament.

Craddock was delighted to have Thomason on board for the fixture and insists the youngsters will benefit from playing alongside him.

“It is fantastic,” he added. “Any time a first-team player drops in with us, it is a good learning experience for the boys.

“George brings many things to the game. Obviously, he has got real quality but he has a real drive and intensity.

“He also has that leadership head on where he helps organise and support the players around him.

“It is a massive opportunity for the boys and I am really pleased we have had the opportunity to have George in with us because it adds value to what we are doing.”

Thomason had become an important member of Ian Evatt’s squad prior to the injury, impressing in the middle of the pitch.

The 22-year-old also put pen to paper over a new deal running until 2025 during his time on the sidelines.