Ian Evatt's former Blackpool teammate becomes latest ex-Seasider to join Bolton Wanderers

The 34-year-old, who has signed a one-year deal with the League Two newcomers, joins Nathan Delfouneso and Matt Gilks in making the move to the University of Bolton Stadium.

Baptiste, who previously played for the Trotters between 2013 and 2015, becomes Bolton’s 14th signing of the summer already.

Baptiste played alongside his new head coach Evatt at Blackpool, spending five years at Bloomfield Road and helping the club into the Premier League.

The centre back has also featured for Blackburn Rovers, Middlesbrough, Sheffield United, Preston North End, Queens Park Rangers, Luton Town and Doncaster Rovers.

He rejoined Evatt at the start of pre-season to keep up his fitness but has now impressed sufficiently to earn a permanent deal.

“I’m absolutely buzzing to be returning to Bolton Wanderers,” he said.

“I’ve had a good two and half weeks training with the club and the gaffer’s ideas are brilliant.

“With the way he wants us to play these are really exciting times for Bolton Wanderers.”

Evatt added: “We welcome Alex back to the University of Bolton Stadium.

“Alex is a player and person I know very well and he is vastly experienced, having played in the Premier League and at a high level for the majority of his career.

“He is a fantastic person as well and will help guide our young squad from inside the dressing room.

“He’s impressed during a trial period with the club and is raring to go.”