On 29 July 2011, Mears, along with Burnley teammate Chris Eagles, joined Bolton Wanderers on a three year contract for a joint fee in the region of £3million but on 4 August he broke his leg in a training session.
On 29 July 2011, Mears, along with Burnley teammate Chris Eagles, joined Bolton Wanderers on a three year contract for a joint fee in the region of £3million. On Thursday 4th August 2011, he broke his leg in a training session with new club Bolton Wanderers but on 4 August he broke his leg in a training session.