Nicky Hunt
Born: Westhoughton, England, 3rd September 1983
International Honours: England U21
Position: Right Back
Squad Number: 2
Former Clubs: None
This tall attacking full back has been tipped to become a future England international by Bolton manager Sam Allardyce and it isn't hard to see why after a couple of seasons of vast progression.
In his schooldays Hunt was often chosen to play in goal and was on the books of both Manchester United and Bolton as an associate schoolboy. In 1999 he returned to Bolton as they signed him up to their newly formed Youth Academy under the careful guidance of Chris Sulley and staff.
By now he had settled down as a central defender and within less than 18 months of returning to the club he found that he was making his debut as a substitute for Colin Hendry in the final league game of the 2000-2001 season against Sheffield United..
The lifelong Wanderers supporter then spent a couple of years in the wilderness as Bolton looked to consolidate their place amongst the national football elite. At one point it seemed as though Hunt was even going to be released, but a trial with Cambridge United failed to materialise.
This proved to be a blessing in disguise as it enabled him a second chance at the Reebok Stadium. His performances for the reserves in 2002-2003 promted Sam Allardyce to hand him his full Bolton debut in the FA Cup game at home to Sunderland in January 2003.
That game against the Black Cats gave Allardyce food for thought as far as future planning went, although Hunt was once again resigned to playing reserve team football for the rest of the season as he played in the unfamiliar role of right-back.
Bernard Mendy's departure from the club in the summer of 2003 opened a vacancy at right-back. Many thought that the more experienced Anthony Barness would get the nod, but surprisingly Hunt was given his full Premiership debut away at local rivals Manchester United.
He was given the run-around at Old Trafford that afternoon by United's new signing Cristiano Ronaldo, but as the season wore on Hunt was becoming more and more composed and accustomed to the rigours of top flight football.
Deservedly, his performances earned him a call up to the England U21 team, and he was to make his debut for the young Three Lions side against Holland in February 2004.
2004-2005 may not have gone totally according to plan for the youngster, but he still managed to make the right back position his own despite fierce competition from Barness and French World Cup star Vincent Candela.
Things where to change dramatically in 2005-2006 however as Hunt broke his leg in a game against Portsmouth and subsequently lost his first team place to emerging Academy graduate Joey O'Brien.
However the tables where turned in 2006-2007 when O'Brien was ruled out for the whole of the season with a knee injury allowing Hunt to regain his place as the club's first choice right back.
Once again he was good at going forward and supporting the attack and this nearly gave him the opportunity to add to his career goal tally, most notably against relegated Sheffield United in March.
Last season he began the campaign as the club's first choice right-back but the January addition of Gretar Steinsson, coupled with yet another shoulder dislocation, limited his chances.
BOLTON RECORD: 128 appearances, 1 goal
By: Mark Heys
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