Marcus Maddison leaves League Two side Bolton Wanderers with his terminated by mutual consent amid concern for his welfare in a hotel.
The 27 year old, who was substituted at half-time in Saturday’s 2-1 win against Harrogate has found living in the club’s on-site hotel, and away from his young family, difficult.
Maddison made 10 appearances, including four starts, but failed to get a regular place the first team after joining them from Charlton in January.
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“We would like to thank Marcus for his contribution during his time with us and he leaves with our full support,” Bolton manager Ian Evatt told the Bolton News.
“The consequences of the pandemic have brought many challenges to so many people, and Marcus, in particular, has found it exceptionally difficult being away from his young daughter and alone in his hotel room.
“First and foremost, our priority is the well-being of all our staff and players, and Marcus’s best interests are paramount.
“He is a very talented footballer and everybody at Bolton Wanderers Football Club wishes him well for the future.”
Bolton chairman Sharon Brittan added: “Having spent some time with Marcus over the past couple of weeks, it became clear that he was in need of some additional support.
“Marcus is a lovely man who I really warmed to and we will ensure that he gets the correct support he needs.
“Although his time with the club was relatively short, he will always remain in the Bolton family.”
Maddison has struggled since leaving Posh in January 2020. He had short and unsuccessful spells at Hull and Charlton before joining Bolton.
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Maddison reportedly turned up late for a Bolton match after oversleeping, a claim Bolton denied.
It comes just a week since an inquest reveals how Yeovil captain Lee Collins died aged 32, so you can see why Bolton took this with Maddison more seriously.
Tributes poured in from pundits, clubs and fans on the ex-Wolves, Port Vale, Northampton, Mansfield player’s passing.
Collins had not played for the Glovers since February though had made eight National League appearances this season.
A crowdfunding page for the family of Lee Collins has raised over £2,700 in four days.
The JustGiving page was created by Simon Woodland in order to raise money to support Collins’ family after his death on Wednesday (March 31) at the age of 32.
Mr Woodland said: “Being chairman of the Yeovil Multiple Sclerosis Group and vice-chairman of the Yeovil Town FC Disabled Supporters Association, I have a good understanding of how JustGiving pages work, so I thought it would be a good idea to start a page for Lee’s family to show how much he was loved and respected as our captain and friend.”
The original fundraising target was £500, but more than five times this amount has been raised by 143 supporters of the page before reaching £3,988 by 191 online users after 7 days. If you want to donate, you can by clicking HERE.
Senior Coroner for Somerset Tony Williams confirmed he tragically died as a result of hanging in a hotel room.
He said: “It is confirmed that today, 7 April 2021, with the consent of next of kin, Senior Coroner Tony Williams opened an Inquest into the death of Lee Harvey Collins of Newport, Gwent.
“Lee was a professional footballer with Yeovil Town Football Club. It was identified that when Lee did not attend for training on 31 March enquiries were made at the hotel where he was staying, and he was found in his room hanging.
“Also admitted into evidence was an Interim Post Mortem Report from Dr Adams, Pathologist at Yeovil District Hospital, confirming cause of death as: Ia) Hanging – subject to blood analysis.
“The Coroner resolved that it will be necessary for further statements and reports to be obtained in respect of the circumstances of Lee’s death and the Inquest was adjourned to an internal Case Management Review on or before 7 July 2021.”
If you’re struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123.
You can contact Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – for men, call 0800 58 58 58 between 5pm to midnight every day.
Fans reacted after seeing Marcus Maddison leaves Bolton amid concern for his welfare in a hotel…
@JDerbyshireBWFC: No blame on the club for trying but definitely a failed experiment. Very happy to cut it short now. We get to save a month or two wages and Maddison has more time for playing Call of Duty, having a lie in and making silly videos.
@trottertenzo: If you were stuck in a hotel away from his family at his age what would you be doing? Reading war and peace? Have a little bit of decency and empathy man
@bwfc714: The disrespect in some of these comments is incredible.
Less than two weeks after a fellow pro footballer, Lee Collins living in a hotel hanged himself, people slagging off Maddison. Why can’t people just say nothing if they can’t be respectful?
@middley07: Because most of these people have never experienced the situation yet feel entitled to comment. I for one am glad he was able to speak to the club and that between them they came to the best conclusion.
@seanbaker87: Why would people abuse him. “Lee Collins” prime example family and friends are important regardless of what money you have. All the best Marcus hope to see you at the New Lawn soon
@rmabolton: The statement on social media about how he was struggling was a huge red flag, coming so soon after the Yeovil captain being found in a hotel this is exactly the right decision. I hope MM is OK & i hope the PFA are reaching out to support him. All the best @MarcusMaddison7
@WandererSmurf: Gutted it didn’t work tbh @MarcusMaddison7. You’re a gifted player & hopefully a club closer home will give you an opportunity. Get a good preseason behind you & you’ll be ok. In the meantime, go spend some quality time with your daughter & mates and just enjoy life.
@Bartims: Great to see our club responding to a difficult situation in a compassionate way and I hope after a period of recovery he will return to football and again demonstrate the ability he has shown in the past..
@ChrisDi94575737: @MarcusMaddison7 gutted that it’s not worked out for you with our great club but all the very best for your future, look forward to seeing you in a better place and scoring some absolute worldies again.
@GardinersMullet: Some of the comments on here are awful. The lad is clearly struggling and had the courage to say he’s not okay. We should be encouraging people to speak up just like Marcus has done.
@joshbrown87: Real shame this but the right decision. I can’t imagine spending 3 months alone in a hotel room not seeing my kid and in a new job. There’s some player in there and I really hope another team (closer to his daughter) give him a chance.
@BallydehobWhite: @MarcusMaddison7 #bwfc wish you all the best in the future Marcus, take care
@eshiyfnkhrnjg: All the best Marcus
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