Warnock departs Villa for Bolton

Aston Villa left-back Stephen Warnock has joined Bolton Wanderers on a three-month loan deal.

The versatile full-back will go straight in to Owen Coyle’s squad for Saturday’s Championship game against Sheffield Wednesday.

Coyle spoke of his fondness for Warnock on Thursday, and is now delighted to capture the 30-year-old.

He told the club’s official website: “Stephen is a player that I have always liked and one that can play in a number of positions, which is very important in the Championship.

“We tried to get him to the club before the summer transfer deadline but it never came to fruition, so I’m delighted that we have now been able to bring him.”

The former Liverpool and Blackburn Rovers man joins Bolton after notching up 104 appearances for Aston Villa, 38 of which came in last season’s campaign.

And Coyle revealed there was much interest in the full-back, and spoke of his relief at beating off said competition for Warnock’s signature.

He added: “He has the right character and it’s important that we bring those attributes into the group. He ticks all the boxes and when I spoke to him you could tell how keen he was to come here.

“I have to say there was a lot of competition for his signature. We beat off a host of clubs in the Championship, so we are delighted to get him in.”