Prolific Warren eager to take on Bolton challenge

Charlie Warren began his career with Needham Market FC

Prolific non-league striker Charlie Warren says he is "excited for what's to come" after signing an initial two-year professional contract with Bolton Wanderers.

The 21-year-old was picked up by the League One club after scoring 34 goals for eighth-tier Felixstowe & Walton United in 2024-25.

Warren had also attracted interest from Stoke City, Coventry City, Wycombe Wanderers and Southend United.

But a goal in a trial match for Bolton in February prompted them to make an offer.

"There was speculation for a bit - I think they watched a game at Boreham Wood and then wanted me to go down for a trial which I thought I did well in and they obviously must have thought that as well," Warren told BBC Radio Suffolk.

"I scored and we ended up winning the game so I think that played a big part in more interest (from them). It's a big step up for me, but it will help me playing around that level of player and I'm excited to see how I improve."

Warren began his career at Needham Market and was given his debut at the age of 16, before making the 23-mile move to Felixstowe & Walton.

"To get that experience that young massively helped, then I made my way to Felixstowe after a loan spell and the management, the fans, everyone, they've enabled me to feel settled and able to play my best football," he said.

His goals helped Felixstowe & Walton win the Suffolk Premier Cup last season and former manager Stuart Boardley is delighted that his faith in Warren has paid off.

"I remember saying to the club four or five years ago that if they'd allow me to sign him he'd be the best player this club has had and I think I've been proven right," Boardley said.

"It's the first time in recent history we've managed to sell to a pro club, and a proper club at that, League One, trying to push for the Championship."

Boardley, who stepped down last month to be replaced by Stuart and Jack Ainsley, believes Warren fully deserves his chance and will rise to the challenge of trying to establish himself in Bolton's first-team squad.

He said: "I've been to academies and seen loads of players and he had something different. He obviously had ability but that's not the main thing when you get to that kind of level - yes, you've got to have acres and acres of ability, but (even) more so you've got to have that inner drive, that determination.

"There's something inside him that tells me he's going to do everything in his power to get to where he needs to get to."

Bolton head coach Steven Schumacher - whose side finished eighth last season - said on Friday they were delighted to "win the race" for his signature.

Schumacher told the club website: "He made a great impression on us all when he trialled earlier in the year and we've kept a keen eye on his progress, working to get this sorted once his season concluded.

"This is an excellent opportunity for him to step up and continue his football education within our environment, and we're looking forward to working with him and helping him develop."

Asked about the reasons for Warren's improvement last season, Boardley cited a positional switch and physical conditioning.

He told BBC Radio Suffolk: "Positionally we tweaked him, we put him on the right hand side which allowed him to cut in - and he's developed physically a lot this year, he's a lot fitter.

"He put on a lot of muscle last year, (but) we spoke to him and said shedding that would help his game and he certainly did that.

"We're looking forward to seeing him grow and flourish at Bolton and hopefully I'll be able to go and watch now and again.

"He deserves his chance. We've worked hard with him and he's trusted us. I told him last year we'd get him to that level and I'm really pleased for him."