FANS VIEW by Adrian Ford THEY say that fortune favours the brave but, alas, not at Highbury where, for the second successive Saturday, a courageous Wanderers' performance ended in last-gasp heartbreak. Just when a repeat of last season's 10-man draw seemed
SAM Allardyce applauded his stand-in stars today then told them they will have to soldier on because there is no end in sight to the injury crisis that is stretching his playing resources like never before. Heartened by the performances of Gareth Farrelly
Wanderers stars Henrik Pederson, Simon Charlton, and Colin Hendry get on their bikes
WANDERERS have passed almost every test that has come their way so far this season, confounding critics who tipped them as relegation certainties. So the hard-working Super Whites could have been forgiven for craving some time off with no Premiership
SAM Allardyce has pledged his support to the PFA's call for strike action. The Bolton Wanderers' manager, speaking on his personal website, said: "I'm happy to pledge my support to the PFA despite the current threats of TV blackouts. I know the PFA does
DEAN Holdsworth is confident the players will be united but expects the public to be split over the PFA strike threat. Speaking last month, Holdsworth, the Wanderers' union representative, insisted: "I hope there will be a resolution but if it happens
GORDON Taylor received a boost from a Wanderers legend as he prepared to lead England's footballers in a strike over TV money. Tommy Banks, the abrasive former Bolton and England defender, stepped into the cotroversy with a determination that revived
MARK Patterson, the former Wanderers and Bury midfield player, is backing the PFA in their current dispute over TV cash. Patterson, who this week shelved his retirement plans to take up a player-coaching role with Conference strugglers Scarborough, is
Misunderstood and misquoted when he was reported to be criticial of life in Bolton earlier in the season, loan star Bernard Mendy has wowed supporters with his performances and his enthusiasm, summed up when he urged the crowd to raise the volume level
IT was all good news for Wanderers fans at the weekend as their heroes edged away from the Premiership bottom three while Sunderland and West Brom look destined for the drop. It started well in Saturday with a result that surely condemned Sunderland fans
AS someone who travels to Wanderers away games regularly , I am surprised by the way away supporters are segregated within the Reebok. Splitting the South Stand vertically with vast expanses of plastic webbing is not commonly found at the larger grounds
SACKED Sunderland manager Howard Wilkinson believes the Black Cats are beginning to get it right - and predicts they will get a result against Wanderers on Saturday. Reflecting on his departure he said: "I am not surprised by anything that happens in
LOOKING at fans comments re segregation it is obvious that the Everton game brought things to a head. I live down in Kent now so was not at the Liverpool game but I imagine there were a lot of away fans scattered around the ground. Let us put it into
I WAS at the Reebok for the Everton game, and didn't witness any trouble myself. However, I'm really disappointed at the fact that the club has apparently sold blocks of tickets to away fans, in the home stands. I don't have a great problem with away
ABOLTON Wanderers fan was left shocked and disappointed following violence and verbal abuse at Saturday's match against Everton. Boltonian, Brian Shepherd who now lives in Morecambe, where he works as a police officer travelled to the match with his wife
CHELSEA'S Italian boss Claudio Ranieri never expected his side to repeat the 5-1 hammering they handed out to Wanderers three weeks ago. It was always going to be a different types of game at the Reebok but he was desperately disappointed his side failed
TV soccer pundit Mark Lawrenson told millions of viewers at lunchtime on Saturday: "Go on, I'll take 'em on." He was answering a challenge from four Wanderers fans who told Lawrenson to "put up or shut up" on Football Focus on BBC1 for the controversial
COMPLETE segregation of rival fans at the Reebok is impossible. That admission came from Bolton Wanderers today in response to a range of complaints following disturbances during Saturday's Premiership game against Everton. Scores of visiting supporters
A RETIRED headteacher and his two sons who were assaulted as they left a Bolton Wanderers match have slammed police actions. Andrew Smith, aged 57 and his sons William, aged 21 and Andrew, aged 24 were making their way from the match against Everton on
AS an Everton fan who attended the match on Saturday and reading your articles on the website I feel compelled to reply. First of all, Bolton fans have to realise that the reason why Everton fans were all over the Reebok on Saturday was supply and demand
R3: JAN 8: Arsenal 3-1 Bolton Scorer - Carruthers - 64,244 Bolton's trip down to London was worthless as they were comfortably beaten 3-1.
R3: JAN 9: Preston 0-0 Bolton 29,057 Stalemate at Deepdale meant a return at Burnden. REPLAY: JAN 13: Bolton 2-5 Preston Scorers - Blackmore and Gibson - 32,862 Preston were on fire as Bolton were crushed 5-2 at home.
R3: JAN 11: Blackburn 1-1 Bolton Scorer - Woods - 41,000 Wood's goal broguht the game back to Burnden Park for the replay. REPLAY: JAN 14: Bolton 0-1 Blackburn 40,800 Over 40,000 saw the odd goal knock Bolton out of the competition early on.
R3: JAN 8: Bolton 3-1 Millwall Scorers - Moir (2), Parry - 33,597 Wanderers found no problem beating Londoners Millwall. R4: JAN 29: Birmingham 2-1 Bolton Scorer - Moir - 56,800 Bolton were edged out by a single goal in this tight contest at St.Andrews
R3: JAN 11: Bolton 3-0 Huddersfield Scorers - Lofthouse, Stevens, Neill - 20,862 Bolton recorded a resounding victory over their fellows from Division One. R4: JAN 28: Bolton 1-2 Sheffield United Scorer - Hartle - 47,105 Hartle's goal wasn't enough to
MICHAEL Ricketts finally got the England call on Saturday night when Sven Goran Eriksson promoted the Wanderers striker to the full national squad for Wednesday's friendly against Holland. Wanderers fans had already given an overwhelming vote for the
A SCHOOL has received recognition for its commitment to teaching literacy and numeracy. Lostock Primary School has achieved a Basic Skills Award for the hard work that staff have put into boosting pupils' literacy and numeracy skills. Award assessors
SAM Allardyce has praised the fans who grew in numbers in response to Wanderers' spirited survival bid. A record crowd of 27,351 - just one more than the attendance for the home game against Manchester United in January - packed the Reebok for Monday
SOCCER pundit Mark Lawrenson must shave off his famous moustache after Wanderers secured a place in the Premiership. The lippy critic, who has constantly tipped Bolton Wanderers to be relegated, was given a "put up or shut up ultimatum" by four fans who
CHIEF Soccer Writer Gordon Sharrock with all the match stats. WANDERERS 0, ARSENAL 2 WANDERERS (4-3-3) JUSSI JAASKELAINEN ... 6 Helpless to keep out two close range strikes; little else to test him ANTHONY BARNESS ... 6 The Gunners' left flank, Ljungberg
WANDERERS 0 ARSENAL 2: WANDERERS went on a lap of honour in front of a packed Reebok last night to celebrate securing their Premiership future. Players saluted supporters and the fans hailed their heroes who, at the third attempt in seven roller-coaster
MANCHESTER CITY 2, WANDERERS 0: SAM Allardyce's hopes that Wanderers could extend their mini-revival were washed up at a rain-soaked Maine Road. A three-match unbeaten run came to a slippery end in miserable fashion as City took the derby honours with
A 37-YEAR-OLD Wanderers fan has died after falling 60ft from railway arches in Bolton. Timothy Coward, aged 37, is believed to have plunged through a gap between the two railway bridges as he was walking home after watching Wanderers at Maine Road on
WANDERERS will go to Maine Road on Saturday without the suspended Bruno N'Gotty and the injured Bernard Mendy. Mike Whitlow and Gudni Bergsson will need fitness tests to determine whether they will be available to offer Allardyce alternatives in the back
HOW the action unfolded 9 mins: Campo plays himself into trouble with a clumsy attempt to deal with a Schmeichel clearance - the ball ricocheting off Anelka and forcing the surprised Jaaskelainen to make a hurried save. 10 mins: Berkovic sends Anelka
WHO did what WANDERERS 3-4-1-2 JUSSI JAASKELAINEN ... 6 His excellent save from Distin's header kept the game alive - but not for long. ANTHONY BARNESS ... 6 Stuck to a difficult task well; like the other defenders, was overworked. IVAN CAMPO ... 6 Made
FULHAM 3, WANDERERS 0: TWO goals in the space of four second half minutes killed off any chance of Wanderers securing Premiership survival at Craven Cottage. Instead that distinction went to Jean Tigana's Fulham who led at half time through a Bjarne Goldbaek
FULHAM 3, WANDERERS 0: WHOEVER coined the phrase about the show not being over until the fat lady hits the high notes must have been inspired by a Premiership survival struggle. Everyone assumes Wanderers are safe and, for all their reluctance to say
FULHAM 3, WANDERERS 0 WANDERERS (4-3-3) JUSSI JAASKELAINEN ... 6 Had one escape but his luck ran out - beaten by three good strikes ANTHONY BARNESS ... 6 A tidy performance on his return to the back four GUDNI BERGSSON ... 8 Hardly missed a header or
WANDERERS edged another point towards Premiership safety with a spirited second half comeback, resulting in a well-deserved equaliser from Dean Holdsworth after a spell of Youri Djorkaeff-inspired pressure. Wanderers, with five players unavailable including
GLENN Hoddle is optimistic about Spurs' future but he fears they will struggle to make progress if they cannot kick their bad habits. "That's the story of our season," he moaned after Dean Holdsworth rescued a point in the 1-1 draw with Wanderers at the
WANDERERS 1, TOTTENHAM 1 WANDERERS (4-3-3) JUSSI JAASKELAINEN ... 7 Confident and steady after the shock of being left stranded for the goal BRUNO N'GOTTY ... 7 Brought the house down when he toyed with Sheringham in the early exchanges GUDNI BERGSSON
Fan's View by Clint Jolley THERE'S a saying in football 'what goes around comes around' and George Burley and his Tractor Boys learnt the true reality of this on Saturday when they finally got their comeuppance for that May night 23 months ago when they
GEORGE Burley was clutching at straws after seeing his relegation-haunted Tractor Boys trounced at the Reebok. "It's still possible," he said as he weighed up his survival prospects. "We've got four games to go and we've got to win at least two and get
SIMON Charlton revealed today how words of comfort from Sam Allardyce gave Wanderers the psychological edge in the war of nerves which ended in a glorious victory. One of the biggest pressure games of the season was over as a contest by half-time with
SAM Allardyce will let others declare Wanderers home and dry after condemning Ipswich to almost certain relegation. On the day Leicester - beaten at home by Manchester United - were finally condemned and Derby - 2-0 losers at Southampton - were left just
WANDERERS and Ipswich met in their latest confrontation last weekend but the Whites' 4-1 win was just another absorbing episode in a series of intriguing fixtures between the two sides. Here we chart the contrasting fortunes of both sides over recent
WANDERERS 4, IPSWICH TOWN 1 WANDERERS (4-4-2) JUSSI JAASKELAINEN ... 7 Few direct shots to deal with; helpless to prevent the goal but his handling was almost faultless. ANTHONY BARNESS ... 8 His mistake let Ipswich in for the goal but his block on Miller
THE punch which felled Wanderers striker Fredi Bobic at Goodison Park has cost Duncan Ferguson £35,000 according to reports today. Everton manager David Moyes has reacted angrily to the violent attack and fined the big Scot a week's wages. Ferguson will
CHIEF Soccer Writer Gordon Sharrock's exclusive website reports during the afternoon. 14:37: MONDAY, APRIL 1, 2002 FA BARCLAYCARD PREMIERSHIP EVERTON v WANDERERS MIKE Whitlow, impressive on his surprise return as substitute in Saturday's crucial victory
EVERTON 3 WANDERERS 1: RARELY in his two and a half years in charge has Sam Allardyce seen fit to use the word "diabolical" in assessing any aspect of his team's performances. But the pressure is on and, seeing Wanderers miss an opportunity at such a
EVERTON 3 WANDERERS 1 Bolton Wanderers (4-3-1-2) KEVIN POOLE ... 8 Stranded himself for vital goal but made three saves BRUNO N'GOTTY ... 7 Should have stopped the second but scored great header MIKE WHITLOW ... 6 Not up to usual high standards; shared
SAM Allardyce explained today why he followed Alex Ferguson's example when he dropped his top scorer Michael Ricketts to the subs' bench at Charlton. And the Wanderers ' boss believes his 15-goal star will benefit from the experience in the same way David
Fans' View by Peter Simmons TWO words: YOURI DJORKAEFF! The French World Cup winner finally got his reward for his effort, commitment and sheer class since he's been with Wanderers, earning his relegation threatened team a valuable three points. You could
CURSED on countless occasions, Wanderers are hoping the wheel of fortune has finally turned their way. "It's nice to see Lady Luck shine on us again," stand-in skipper Simon Charlton said with a strong sigh of relief after Jason Euell's penalty miss and
ALAN Curbishley has assured Sam Allardyce that his team's work ethic will keep them in the Premiership. "I don't begrudge Bolton their result," the Addicks boss said generously after Wanderers hoisted themselves out of the bottom three with a 2-1 win
THE crunch is on for teams in the relegation zone with Wanderers. Here are the latest results and fixtures LEICESTER (Recent run) Wanderers (A) drew 2-2 Arsenal (H) lost 3-1 West Ham (A) lost 1-0 Newcastle (H) drew 0-0 Liverpool (A) lost 1-0 Chelsea (
After the last match we were staying up and it was the launch pad for a mid-table or even top six position. Well Gudni has gone and a top class player is not yet replaced. Ivan Campo, the link between defence and attack, is not yet replaced. Bernard Mendy
SAM Allardyce is urging his happy Wanderers to use their stunning victory at Charlton as a launchpad to secure Premiership survival. Describing the 2-1 win as "a huge result", the relieved Wanderers boss said: "Hopefully that will give them the confidence
I am very sorry to read that Mike Whitlow hasn't yet signed a new contract to stay with Bolton Wanderers because he has been asked to accept a big pay cut. We all welcome new signings bringing new talent to the club, but at what price to our tried and
YOURI Djorkaeff is on course to hit the double top he set his sights on when he came to the Reebok - keeping Wanderers in the Premiership and securing his place in the French World Cup squad. Where his career takes him from there is anybody's guess.The
WHERE do I start? I am sitting at home reading my Bolton Evening News seething at the knowledge that we (BWFC) are unable to meet a £2.5m bid for Figueroa (Argentian striker). What's all that about? Chairman Mr Gartside is a very nice man I believe, but
EIDUR Gudjohnsen tipped Wanderers to survive in the Premiership today, despite helping deny his former club two valuable safety points. The Iceland international was given a rousing reception on his return to the Reebok on Saturday, 18 months after his
WHICH words would best describe Chelsea if you were including them in your future dictionary? Mine would certainly be sometimes brilliant but fairly unpredictable, arrogant, without having the proof of being champions, or best of all, unplayable against
Fans' View by Richard Osborne COULD Premiership safety be just around the corner? With a superb sense of timing Wanderers look as if they have halted their headlong plunge down the table and the well publicised 'safety target' of 40 points is within sight
SAM Allardyce wants his players to take some collective responsibility in the search for more goals. To date the Reebok boss has seen Michael Ricketts and Kevin Nolan dominate the Wanderers' scoring charts hitting 19 Premiership goals between them out
FREDI Bobic is confident he can strike up a partnership with Michael Ricketts that will provide the goals to keep Wanderers in the Premiership. The former German international got his first taste of English football when as a second half substitute in
From the official Chelsea website. CHELSEA'S inability to hold onto a lead cost us dearly after two superb goals from our Scandinavian strikers Eidur Gudjohnsen and Mikael Forssell seemed to have put us in the driving seat during a lively second half.
CHIEF Soccer Writer Gordon Sharrock was at the Reebok for Wanderers' revenge mission against Chelsea. This was his "live" website report: 14:44: JANUARY 12, 2002 FA BARCLAYCARD PREMIERSHIP WANDERERS v CHELSEA NEW signing Fredi Bobic, recruited on loan
WANDERERS 3 ASTON VILLA 2: KEVIN Nolan has never wavered in his belief that Wanderers would survive in the Premiership but, just to make sure, he took it upon himself to give them the benefit of his youthful enthusiasm and burgeoning talent. With 16 minutes
DERBY defender Chris Riggott believes that team-mate Giorgi Kinkladze could be the key man at the Reebok tomorrow. Kinkladze, still popular at Manchester City after his successful period there in the mid-1990s, has been a regular starter since John Gregory
WANDERERS' fiercest critic Mark Lawrenson has joined the growing band of experts calling for Michael Ricketts to be given a run out for England. On BBC1's Match of the Day last night "Lawro" said: "At £500,000 from Walsall he was an absolute steal." As
SAM Allardyce today warned his players they will have to earn their place in Wanderers' survival run-in. The Reebok boss will be ruthless with players who fail to produce the goods. A small squad and constant injury problems have given Allardyce few options
REVISED draw for the fourth round of the AXA Sponsored FA Cup: Preston v Sheff Utd; Rotherham v Crewe; Charlton v Walsall; Tranmere v Cardiff; Gillingham v Bristol Rovers; York v Fulham; Darlington or Peterborough v Newcastle (Sunday, Sky, 4pm); Tottenham
KEVIN Nolan has revealed his heartache at missing Wanderers' crucial Premiership clash with Derby this weekend. The midfielder will be suspended for the Derby game and admits that because of his unavailability he is glad to be away from Bolton's preparations
LEIGH RMI chairman Bill Taylor has praised Phil Starbuck for improving the club's fortunes. Taylor said he and his committee were impressed by Starbuck's impact in his two games as caretaker boss. The chairman said: "The mood in the dressing room is completely
HINDSFORD Juniors are seeking a goalkeeper to join their under 14s team in division one of the Bolton Boys and Girls Federation. Training is on Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings in the Atherton area. Contact Mike Greenhalgh 01942 888010
SAM Allardyce refused to allow last night's FA Cup trouncing of beleaguered Stockport distract him from his top priority - Premiership survival. A convincing 4-1 victory at Edgeley Park booked Wanderers a fourth round tie at Tottenham - 2-0 winners at
SAM Allardyce believes Wanderers will win their relegation fight if they can handle the pressure. And he has every confidence his players have the inner strength to rise to the challenge. The Reebok boss admits the pressure on the club has become intense
IVAN Campo is just one booking away from a two-match ban which could hit Wanderers hard during the crucial Premiership run-in writes Gordon Sharrock The Real Madrid defender picked up his ninth booking of the season for a clumsy challenge on Danny Murphy
BRAVE Amy Morris is back home in Bolton in record time after her heart transplant. Amy waited months for a donor heart -- yet just three weeks after her eight-hour operation at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital she is home. It is the earliest a patient who
WANDERERS number one Jussi Jaaskelainen looked forward to the New Year clash with Liverpool more than most. The Finn has admitted he used to follow the Merseysiders when he was growing up and he believes that Phil Thompson's team are the favourites to
Fans' View by Steve Battersby DISGRACEFUL. No, not the team, they were just poor. On a black Saturday for Bolton, my main criticism must be reserved for certain 'so called supporters' who vilified Michael Ricketts' every move. Things never change at Bolton
CAPTAIN Fantastic, Kevin Nolan, insisted today that Wanderers have what it takes to stay in the Premiership. The powerful young midfielder, scorer of the 77th minute equaliser in yesterday's 1-1 draw at Liverpool, says the players have the strength of
How we reported the action from Anfield PREMIERSHIP FULL-TIMES Charlton 3, Ipswich 2 Chelsea 2, Southampton 4 Leeds v West Ham (8pm, SKY) Leicester v Arsenal (5.30pm, PPV, postponed due to frozen pitch) Liverpool 1, WANDERERS 1 Middlesbrough 1, Everton
How they played, plus players' rankings: Wanderers: JUSSI JAASKELAINEN ... 5 Would have relished better protection. Sending off capped a bad day at the office. BRUNO N'GOTTY ... 6 Solid display both going forward and defending. SIMON CHARLTON ... 6 Fired
ALL tickets for Saturday's Premiership survival showdown at the Reebok Stadium have been sold. The Hammers have sold their allocation and the match will be beamed back to Upton Park to satisfy East London appetite for the big game.
IT'S been a another roller coaster season for Wanderers and their fans, but the victory against West Ham surely means another season in the top flight for Sam and his boys. They have left it late, but the quality of the football in the last few weeks
FOLLOWING the complete sell-out of Derby County's 3,000 seat ticket allocation for the match with Wanderers the Rams will stage a 'beamback' of this Saturday's crucial fixture at the Reebok back to Pride Park Stadium. The Rams last two away games at Leicester
JOE COLE has insisted that West Ham United's crunch relegation battle against Bolton Wanderers is the biggest game the Hammers have faced since he won a professional contract. The gifted young midfielder is now captain of West Ham -- and he knows that
WANDERERS aim to turn their critics' savage attacks to their advantage. Media pundits are turning on Sam Allardyce's team in their droves but the manager believes they could be a secret weapon in Wanderers' fight for survival. Wanderers go to Liverpool
COLIN Hendry hopes Saturday's super show against Leicester can kick start his season. The veteran centre half has been frustrated by a lack of first team appearances this season and took his rare chance with both hands on Saturday. Injuries to Mike Whitlow
WEST Ham's 2-2 home draw with Aston Villa kept Wanderers three points ahead of Glenn Roeder's Hammers going into Saturday's Reebok head-to-head - a factor Allardyce believes will give them the psychological edge in a game vital to both team's future fortunes
WANDERERS were today counting the cost of a crushing victory at the Stadium of Light. Not only did they lose 1-0 to a Jason McAteer-inspired Sunderland, but they also lost key defender Mike Whitlow with a broken rib and top scorer Michael Ricketts with
LEEDS UNITED 2, WANDERERS 4: WANDERERS scored twice in the final four minutes to record their first Premiership victory since September 11 in a dramatic Roses battle at Elland Road. Michael Ricketts came off the subs' bench to net his third penalty of
KEVIN Nolan is heading in the right direction in more ways than one. The Reebok superkid's future looks bright after a brilliant first half of the season in the Premiership. And the latest part of his game which is attracting attention is ability in the
SAM Allardyce is confident Bruno N'Gotty will be fit to strengthen his defence for the survival showdown with West Ham. The Bolton boss elected not to risk the former AC Milan defender at Chelsea on Saturday after he complained of a tight calf muscle
SAM Allardyce was grateful for the breathing space created by a free weekend as he surveyed the damage of last night's demoralising defeat at Sunderland. The result - former Burnden favourite Jason McAteer scored the only goal just before half-time -
LOANED-OUT Paul Warhurst has insisted his biggest concern is Wanderers staying in the Premiership. The midfielder is currently fighting to keep Stoke City in the First Division. But he admitted his major commitment remains with Wanderers. Warhurst's contract
IT may have taken six years but, at last, the Reebok is starting to feel like home. On Saturday there was an atmosphere to rival the old Burnden roar, a tingle of expectation and a team to be proud of - who cares if they are all foreigners. And then there
GLENN Roeder was looking up and down the land today - from Ewood to Highbury, Southampton to Middlesbrough - in a desperate search for an escape route. The West Ham boss, who could lose his job if they are relegated, is defiantly and understandably refusing
EIDUR Gudjohnsen's solo goal against Wimbledon in the Worthington Cup must be in there somewhere. Ross Flockhart via e-mail
WEST Ham are playing down the significance of Saturday's survival showdown at the Reebok, insisting it will decide nothing! A win would put Wanderers six points clear of Glenn Roeder's Hammers with just four games to play but Joe Cole claims they could
WE have chosen our Wanderers top ten but tell us what you think. Send your nominations to Golden Goals, Sports Desk, Bolton Evening News, Churchgate, Bolton BL1 1DE.
How the BEN website reported "live" from the Reebok PREMIERSHIP FULL-TIMES Arsenal 2, Middlesbrough 1 Aston Villa 1, Tottenham 1 Blackburn 0, Derby 1 FT WANDERERS 2, Leicester 2 Everton 0, Charlton 3 Ipswich 5, Sunderland 0 Newcastle 1, Chelsea 2 Southampton
WITH reference to the top ten goals article featured on Tuesday, what about Andy Walker's effort against Liverpool at Anfield in the 1993 FA Cup? I also remember David Lee's in the Coca Cola Cup versus Norwich in 1995. Also there has to be a John McGinlay
SUNDERLAND 1 WANDERERS 0 Bolton Wanderers (3-4-1-2) JUSSI JAASKELAINEN ... 7 Blameless on the goal, one excellent first half save then little else. BRUNO N'GOTTY ... 7 Helped keep Phillips relatively quiet. GUDNI BERGSSON ... 7 So desperately close at
SAM Allardyce will open negotiations with Lyon in a bid to keep Florent Laville at the Reebok just as soon as Wanderers' Premiership future is secure. The Bolton boss has already sounded out the French club about signing the on-loan centre-back on a permanent
KEVIN Keegan blasted his side's poor effort on Saturday, insisting: "Performances like that get managers the sack." The Manchester City manager compared his City slackers with Big Sam's battling Bolton and was clearly envious. "When Bolton went a goal
BEATING Manchester City is the immediate objective but Sam Allardyce's thoughts continue to be dominated by one team - West Ham United. Wanderers' destiny is now inextricably linked with the Hammers and the Reebok boss acknowledged the fact when he stressed
ROD Wallace admits Wanderers blew a great chance to steal a march on their relegation rivals. The little hit-man gave Wanderers the lead just before half-time with his third Premiership goal of the season - his first was in the 1-1 draw at Blackburn in
Sam gets it right but only for 55 minutes AS we heard the team announcement prior to the match, our previous mood of quiet optimism dissipated. Three at the back plus Southall and Gardner as wing backs, a three man midfield, Charlton, Warhurst and Frandsen
SKY TV pundit Andy Gray and guest "prophet" Alan Shearer both predicted victory for Leeds at the Reebok. Shearer reckoned it would be a 3-1 victory, while Gray opted for 2-0 to the Yorkshire side.
ALL you need to know Ground: Maine Road. Manager: Kevin Keegan. Nickname: The Blues. Current position: 12th. Last time out: Chelsea 5 (Hasselbaink 37 mins, Terry 43 mins, Stanic 58 mins, Lampard 69 mins, Gallas 79 mins) Manchester City 0. How they lined
Ball by ball - from the first minute shock from Robbie Fowler GOAL 72 seconds Matteo heads Diawara's poor clearance into Fowler's path and he shoots inside the far post. 5 minutes Bakke limps off after Warhurst challenge and is replaced by Wilcox 7 minutes
KEVIN Keegan's philosophy on football is simple but expensive writes Richard Mulligan "It doesn't matter where I go, I expect big things. I am not a manager who sets unrealistically low targets so I can just jump above them. I aim for the moon but sometimes
Who earned the plaudits MAN OF THE MATCH ROBBIE FOWLER MADE scoring goals look so easy. Was helped by Wanderers' poor defender but the timing of his runs, his control and finishing was top class. Moan of the match THE lack of quality defending at the
WANDERERS 2 MAN CITY 0: JAY-Jay Okocha has promised to treat Wanderers fans to more of his magic tricks. Like the matador in a bullring, the more the crowd cheers, the more he will entertain. "I feel very much at home now," the Nigerian World Cup star
IF Wanderers cannot sort out their defensive problems they are going down writes Neil Bonnar It does not matter how many goals they score, you cannot survive when you defend as badly as Wanderers have in the last two games. Eight goals against and none
MOTORISTS in Greater Manchester are paying below the national average for fuel, according to a report. Unleaded petrol in the area costs an average of 75.45p, compared to 77.1p nationally. Drivers who buy diesel are, at 76.62p, also paying lower than
WANDERERS 1 ROVERS 1: THE next time they meet - in whatever division and whatever the circumstances - it is unlikely Graeme Souness will be talking about the "friendly" derby as he was before Saturday's local spat. The storm of controversy over the Mike
THE "Keep the Whites Up" campaign is proving a big success. The Bolton Evening News wants to rally support for the battle to avoid relegation. The campaign underlines our unqualified backing for Sam Allardyce and his survival squad as they bid to beat
FOR 40 minutes Wanderers handed a lesson in tactical football to Chelsea. One up after Kevin Nolan's stunning opener, they bossed the rest of the half, had another couple of chances, which had they gone in, Chelsea would never have recovered from. Sam
FEW players in the history of Bolton Wanderers have appreciated the club's supporters more than Nat Lofthouse. Bolton's most famous footballing son was a fan himself before he became the idol of a generation and knows as well as anyone the benefit of
GRAEME Souness could be ready to unleash his new weapon in Rovers' next 'cup final' against Wanderers on Saturday Yordi, the Spanish striker signed on loan from Real Zaragoza last week, has put himself in the reckoning after making an impressive debut
SAM Allardyce turned the derby spotlight on his strikers when he urged his hit-men to shoot Wanderers clear of the Premiership drop zone. "We need goals from somebody," the Wanderers' boss said ahead of Saturday's Reebok showdown with relegation rivals
DEPUTY Prime Minister John Prescott has told the North-west that an elected regional assembly would give it a powerful voice of its own. Bolton Council leader Cllr Bob Howarth was among guests in Warrington who heard Mr Prescott launch an information
MESSAGES of support for the Bolton Evening News "Keep The Whites Up" campaign have been coming in from hundreds of miles away. Wanderers supporters in Norway, Scotland and on the Isle of Man have contacted the paper after reading about the campaign on
BLACKBURN fans may love to hate Burnley but David Dunn admits that a major rivalry has grown between Rovers and Bolton over the last couple of years writes Richard Mulligan There are less than 15 miles between Ewood Park and the Reebok Stadium, and the
TWO 16-year-old girls have been nominated as Young Citizens of the Year after helping to set up a Bully Free Zone at their Bolton school. Rakhee Chavda and Bhavnisa Chauhan trained as peer mediators at The Deane School. During the course, the teenagers
GOALSCORING ace Eidur Gudjohnsen has tipped under-pressure Wanderers to pass the Premiership test and stay in the top flight writes Steve Canavan The former Bolton star did his best to make it a miserable Christmas for Sam Allardyce and the fans, who
WANDERERS fans stepped out into the spring sunshine with bright faces and beaming smiles on Friday -- to join the Bolton Evening News "Keep the Whites Up" campaign. We launched our campaign to rally support for Bolton Wanderers as the team enter the crucial
BOLTON is to play host to a prestigious national care homes conference. The Bolton Association of Residential Care Homes (BARCH) will stage the National Care Homes Conference at the Reebok Stadium, in Horwich, next week. The two-day conference will begin
LIFELONG fans are backing the Bolton Evening News campaign to keep Wanderers in the Premiership. We launched our Keep the Whites Up! campaign to rally support for Sam Allardyce's men in the vital last few games of the season. The fans responded on Monday
WANDERERS fans who want to keep in touch with news from other clubs fighting the drop can use these links. We have provided links both to the official club web sites and also to local newspapers, whose writers can be guaranteed to offer slghtly less biased
WANDERERS (4-5-1) JUSSI JAASKELAINEN ...5 Had little to do apart from pick the ball out of the net five times. BRUNO N'GOTTY ...5 Looked classy and solid in the first half with a few nice touches MIKE WHITLOW ... 5 Gritty and passionate. Had Gudjohnsen
DENTISTS will be trying to raise awareness of mouth cancer as part of a national campaign next week. Mouth Cancer Awareness Week from November 9 to 15, will show that the disease claims the lives of about 1700 people in the UK every year. The mortality
FORGET the glorious triumph at Old Trafford, Sam Allardyce would measure victory in the Reebok derby above any other result Wanderers have achieved this season. "To win it would be the victory of all victories," the Bolton boss said as he prepared to
KEVIN Nolan's Old Trafford matchwinner nudged Wanderers ahead of Manchester United in their history of derby duels. Bolton fans will take particular pride in the statistics that show that their team is one of the few to boast a better record in head to
A 16-year-old girl allegedly raped by a Bolton taxi driver broke down in tears when it was claimed in court that her statement did not make sense. The trial was temporarily halted as the teenager, cross-examined though a video link by defence counsel
ACTION POINTS: What happened and when 2 MINS GOAL! 0-1 to Wanderers Kevin Nolan heads home from Per Frandsen's cross to give Wanderers a fantastic start. It followed good work by Ricardo Gardner, whose shot from outside the area was just tipped over.
SAM Allardyce may be relying on the goalscoring talents of Michael Ricketts, Youri Djorkaeff and Fredi Bobic come Saturday, but if they are to succeed they will have to beat the best goalkeeper in the country writes Richard Mulligan That is the view of
DAVID Beckham volunteered to carry the can as United were left licking their derby wounds for the second successive season. "Bolton wouldn't have scored if it wasn't for my mistake," the England captain admitted, reflecting on the loss of control that
"WHEN we turn up for work we haven't a clue what will happen," says Bolton Central's station officer Jim O'Byrne. It is 5.45pm on November 5, one of the busiest days of the year for firefighters. Mr O'Byrne is sitting expectantly behind his desk waiting
SAM Allardyce was claiming a place in history for the "braves" who pulled off a sensational Old Trafford win against all the odds last night with a repeat performance of last season's triumph over the world's richest club. The Wanderers' manager proudly
PLANNING applications submitted for the Bolton and Turton area include: 66102/03 - Bolton Metro, Town Hall, Bolton. High Lawn School, off Sharples Avenue, Sharples. Erection of extension to primary school with associated parking. 66112/03 - Mr & Mrs
SAM Allardyce had menace in his voice today as he warned his two closest friends in football: "I've got you in my sights!" Leeds' newly-appointed caretaker manager Peter Reid and Birmingham boss Steve Bruce were at the Reebok on Monday night to see Jay-Jay
WANDERERS took a point from their first visit to St Mary's in a poor show of a game neither side deserved to win. Having looked the better side in the first half they struggled to get into a rhythm in the second period in which Jussi Jaaskelainen was
AFTER missing the recent score draw against Everton , I have now sat through 450 minutes of Premiership soccer at the Reebok without celebrating a Wanderers goal. The Charlton game followed a well-established pattern, early domination with chances spurned
SAM Allardyce believes Wanderers have given themselves a glorious chance to home in on Premiership safety. Victory over Spurs at the Reebok next Monday would see them record back-to-back wins for only the second time this season and the manager says that
Ground: White Hart Lane Nickname: Spurs Manager: Glenn Hoddle Current position: 10th Top scorer: Teddy Sheringham - 11 goals Last six Premiership: Liverpool (home) lost 2-3; West Ham (away) lost 0-2; Fulham (home) drew 1-1; Sunderland (home) won 4-1;
WANDERERS star Kevin Nolan was lucky to escape with his life when his car careered out of control in a dramatic motorway crash as he was driving to meet his team mates before the Premiership clash with Southampton. The 19-year-old midfielder's car was
SAM Allardyce freely admits he has his problems but he remains supremely confident and upbeat after Wanderers proved yet again that they are more than a match for Premiership opponents. He will not rest until he finds and signs the striker he desperately
CHIEF Soccer Writer Gordon Sharrock reports exclusively for our web site from every Wanderers match. This was his report on Monday, March 24: 19:47: MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2003 BARCLAYCARD PREMIERSHIP WANDERERS V SPURS SAM Allardyce rewarded the players who
GORDON Strachan tackled his striker crisis head on by selecting all the attack-minded players he could muster. But in the end the Southampton boss had to accept that his best efforts had counted for nothing and the new St Mary's Stadium had staged its
YOURI Djorkaeff says referee Mike Dean was right to show Chelsea's Nigerian full-back Celestine Babayaro the red card in Saturday's Reebok flashpoint. The Wanderers' skipper was felled in the 76th minute by an off-the-ball challenge missed by the Wirral
WHO did what Wanderers 4-3-3 JUSSI JAASKELAINEN ... 7 Never seriously troubled, thanks to good defending, but his handling was sound. BRUNO N'GOTTY ... 8 Defended stoutly but also managed to get forward in swupport of the second half raids. FLORENT LAVILLE
BEN Chief Soccer Writer Gordon Sharrock was on the South Coast on Saturday for the vital "six-pointer" against Southampton. This was his report as the drama unfolded before, and during, the match 14:28: SATURDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2002. FA BARCLAYCARD PREMIERSHIP
WANDERERS kicked off their preparations for the crucial Christmas period today confident they can maintain the form that has earned them the respect of their Premiership peers and with best Yuletide wishes from an old friend. "Santa" Claus Jensen, who
Wanderers 0, Charlton 0: SAM Allardyce is preparing his defences for attacks from snipers on and off the field in a bid to keep Wanderers out of harm's way in the Premiership. Although genuinely concerned by the lack of goals at home, the Reebok boss
WANDERERS will face a united front from Sunderland on Saturday as players and fans join forces to answer new manager Mick McCarthy's call for the start of a sensational revival. McCarthy plans to walk out on to the turf at the Stadium of Light to greet
GUDNI Bergsson assured Bolton fans today that they can rely on the Foreign Legion to fight to the finish in the battle to beat the drop. Wanderers fielded an all-foreign line-up at Sunderland on Saturday. It was the first time in the club's 125-year history
FANS VIEW by Paul Cooper ON the three previous occasions I have taken my girlfriend to the match, Wanderers have lost and have not even managed to score. They were last season's home game against United and this season's games at Villa Park and Maine
MICK McCarthy today confirmed his long-held belief that Wanderers have the talent on and off the field to beat the drop The new Sunderland boss, who saw his dream of winning his first game in charge turn into a nightmare at the Stadium of Light, says
SAM Allardyce believes that Ricketts' call is "fully-deserved". The manager said: "He has been playing very well this year. He is quick and has been scoring lots of goals. He deserves his chance. "This is a reward for the tremendous amount of progress
Henrik Pedersen has played his way back into Wanderers' Premiership reckoning in double-quick time. The Danish striker made a surprise return in the Worthington Cup tie at Spurs on Tuesday after 10 weeks on the sidelines and earned glowing praise from
GUDNI Bergsson plans to "chill out" in Iceland while Bo Hansen visits his old team-mate Claus Jensen in London. Wanderers have settled for home comforts rather than a sunshine break as they enjoy a week away from the pressures of the Premiership survival
WEST Ham might not count themselves among the clubs fighting for Premiership survival but, after defeat at the Reebok left them just three points ahead of Wanderers, Glenn Roeder knows there is no margin for error. "We've still got a lot to play for,"
SAM Allardyce gave an assurance today that Wanderers' Worthington Cup drubbing would not damage the club's Premiership prospects. The Reebok boss apologised to supporters who witnessed the White Hart Lane humiliation and acknowledged that the sponsors
NOT for the first time this season the pundits are suggesting Wanderers' bubble has burst. Successive defeats at Spurs and Derby have been grist to the mill for the critics who have doubted all along that they could not sustain the momentum of their flying
WHO did what and when SUNDERLAND 0 WANDERERS 2 Wanderers 4-3-3/4-5-1 JUSSI JAASKELAINEN ... 6 Made the necessary saves but spilled a few to set hearts fluttering BRUNO N'GOTTY ... 8 Supremely solid, never looked in any serious trouble GUDNI BERGSSON .
BEN Chief Soccer Writer Gordon Sharrock's exclusive reports for this website. 14:47: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2002. FA BARCLAYCARD PREMIERSHIP WANDERERS V WEST HAM UNITED NEW signing Stig Tofting was handed his debut in English football as Wanderers went
THE silver lining of defeat for Sam Allardyce is that at least it cuts off one route to Europe. While playing in Europe would be a dream for fans it would be a nightmare for the Wanderers boss who admits he would not take European competition next season
SUNDERLAND 0 WANDERERS 2: THE sight of Henrik Pedersen, clearly wounded but bravely soldiering on, should satisfy even those with the gravest of doubts that Big Sam's Foreign Legion have it in their hearts to fight for the Wanderers' cause. The dashing
WANDERERS 1 WEST HAM UTD 0 WANDERERS (4-4-2) JUSSI JAASKELAINEN ... 7 Two important saves, first half from Defoe then late on from Kitson BRUNO N'GOTTY ... 8 Showed his pedigree again with an impressive display - and not in his favoured position GUDNI
SALVA Ballesta will be asked to give Wanderers the benefit of the talents that made him one of the most lethal finishers in Spain. The Valencia striker, once a leading scorer in La Liga, will make his first Premiership start at Anfield when he steps in
FAN'S VIEW by Peter Simmons: THE final delivery let Wanderers down in a match that could have gone either way at Pride Park on Saturday. The away fans were expectant, the home fans nervous, as Bolton started the better and looked to continue their good
KEVIN Nolan admits that losing his place as a regular in Wanderers' survival campaign left him "sulking like a big baby!" The young Reebok ace, who took the Premiership by storm last season, has struggled to hit the same high-scoring heights since picking
FIRE chiefs in Greater Manchester reported one of the busiest Bonfire Nights on record with more than 850 call-outs. Despite Bolton firefighters barely seeing the station, rushing from one bonfire to another, there were no major injuries and firefighters
IF Sam Allardyce requires evidence to press his claim for cash to buy a new striker this summer, he need only refer his Reebok bosses to Saturday's events at Anfield. Liverpool - Worthington Cup winners, UEFA Cup quarter-finalists and contenders for a
IT seems that fate is conspiring to ensure Wanderers suffer every emotion possible. Highs and lows seems to be a common occurrence for the team and fans as we acclimatise to the Premiership and on Saturday we had an abundance of both. Yet again though
GUDNI Bergsson is determined to go out on a high when he swaps his boots for a career in the law this summer. The Reebok skipper knows the relegation odds are shortening but he remains confident that when he finally goes home to Iceland - after three
BOBBY Robson was as relieved as he was delighted after seeing Craig Bellamy head Newcastle into second place in the Premiership. The Welshman's 15th goal of the season came 11 minutes from the end of a terrific tussle to give the Magpies what their manager
15 mins: Ricketts gets just in front of Higginbotham to prod Gardner's cross narrowly wide after superb work by Warhurst and Nolan. 19 mins: Gardner feeds Ricketts on the left, the cross is good but just a yard too strong for Wallace. 30 mins: Christie
EVERY Wanderers match is covered "live" on this web site. This is how we reported from Anfield: 14:27: SATURDAY, MARCH 8, 2003 BARCLAYCARD PREMIERSHIP LIVERPOOL v WANDERERS VALENCIA striker Salva Ballesta was handed his first Premiership start as Wanderers
FOOTBALL is full of unlikely heroes and goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek's match winning performance in the Worthington Cup Final brought another fallen star into the limelight writes Richard Mulligan Dudek has only just returned to the Liverpool first team because
SO what did Colin Todd think of his side's victory over his former club? The man who left the Reebok in acrimonious circumstances refused to reveal his thoughts on beating his old club after Saturday's match as he sent in his skipper Darryl Powell to
STAFF at a nursing home in Bolton are to open their doors to the public. BUPA's Mill View Nursing Home in Bridgeman Street is inviting people along on Tuesday, November 11, at 1.30pm for an afternoon of activities including bingo and karaoke. Kath Bebbington
SAM Allardyce left his players to vent their anger on each other after Saturday's defeat at Pride Park. "There's a few cups flying around ... and a few bottles," the Wanderers' boss said after bolting from the dressing room inquest. "Which is fine as
NICKY Southall may have to step aside when Paul Warhurst is fit to resume his trademark role in the Wanderers' midfield but he has the satisfaction of knowing he has given Sam Allardyce a selection headache. The former Gillingham ace marked his most impressive
SAM Allardyce is ready for a shake-up as he tries desperately to keep Wanderers away from the Premiership drop zone. The Reebok boss has taken pride in seeing his team exceed all expectations, defying their doubters and critics with a flying start and
BEN Chief Soccer Reporter Gordon Sharrock's exclusive live reports for this website 14:43: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2002 FA BARCLAYCARD PREMIERSHIP NEWCASTLE UTD V WANDERERS BRUNO N'Gotty failed a fitness test on an ankle injury and missed his second Premiership
NEWCASTLE 3, WANDERERS 2: Wanderers are in danger of letting the riches of the Premiership slip through their fingers. They have the means of survival in their own hands but their chances of beating the drop are being threatened by their own carelessness
A CHARITY football match in memory of a man who died of cancer kicks-off at 7.45pm on Thursday November 13, at Atherton LR's Crilly Park ground in Spa Road. Darren Whittaker, of Weston Street, Atherton, who was 23 when he lost his 30 month fight with
SAM Allardyce has admitted that flyIng boots of the Fergie variety are not exclusive to Manchester United. As David Beckham waits for the wound above his left eye to heal, he can console himself in the knowledge that he is not the first - and is unlikely
WANDERERS boss Sam Allardyce was convinced Ruud van Nistelrooy fouled Anthony Barness in the build-up to United's crucial opening goal. He said: "It was a blatant foul on Anthony Barness, which was plain for all to see. "That was a crucial decision as
The Marco Players, Alfie by Bill Naughton, Chorley Old Road Methodist Church until Saturday AS soon as Naughton's 1963 bittersweet dissection of what swinging London meant in human terms hit the stage, it was clear that here was a piece dealing with the
FLORENT Laville looked puzzled at the mention of the nickname he is reputed to have earned in nine impressively consistent seasons in French football. "The Rock of Lyon?" he queried, "I didn't know that was my nickname." If it wasn't before, it is now
SIR Alex Ferguson concentrated on the future rather than the performance when he argued that Arsenal, Leeds and Liverpool will pursue the table-toppers right to the last game. Fergie said: "This is the time of year we really have to step forward. "There's
Ricketts' 12th goal of the season, after just eight minutes, was a glorious way to start any match. His quick switch of the ball from right foot to left sent defender Ledley King into the next postcode, while his low, swerving shot gave Neil Sullivan
HAT-trick hero Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed Sir Alex Ferguson tore into his Manchester United players BEFORE the 4-0 victory over Wanderers. Ferguson apparently gave his players the infamous 'hair-dryer' treatment before kick-off. Ferguson had been
SATURDAY: NO goals but plenty to smile about as Wanderers keep a clean sheet at home to Jean Tigana's Fulham. A year after being outclassed and outpassed by the Cottagers, the Reebok heroes show how far they have come in exctablishing a foothold in the
LET'S face it, as Paul Warhurst puts it so succinctly, there is never a good time to be playing Manchester United. Obviously, if half your team is laid up with flu, you could not be blamed for seeking a postponement - although Juventus did not do too
DEAN Holdsworth says the players are confident they have what it takes to beat the drop. "It hurts at the moment but we've got to bounce back," the seasoned striker said defiantly. "We learned our lesson last night when United's quality was there for
MICHAEL Ricketts is the equal of any striker in the Premiership. That was the tribute Sam Allardyce paid his top scorer today - his 23rd birthday - after the Reebok Rocket took his season's total to 12 in last night's pulsating encounter with Spurs at
LEE Roche achieved a lifetime's ambition earlier this season when he made his league debut for his beloved Manchester United at Old Trafford. The 22-year-old Bolton lad has been on the books at Old Trafford for over a decade but has had to be patient
SAM Allardyce believes Wanderers' Premiership fate could hinge on the results of a six-match survival sequence. The Reebok boss faced up to the threat of relegation today and targeted the six games - starting with the home game against West Ham on Saturday
SPURS 0, WANDERERS 0 WANDERERS 4-5-1 JUSSI JAASKELAINEN ... 8 His save from Ziege was world class BRUNO N'GOTTY ... 7 A good all-round performance GUDNI BERGSSON ... 7 So close to a big point on his "old patch" MIKE WHITLOW ... 7 So desperately unlucky
SAM Allardyce's top lip tightened with rage as he seethed at every mention of "consolation". For the umpteenth time this season, the Wanderers' boss was so incensed after seeing precious safety points surrendered in the dramatic closing minutes that he
BEN Chief Soccer Writer Gordon Sharrock reported exclusively for this website. 19:46: TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2002. WANDERERS V MANCHESTER UNITED BRUN0 N'Gotty, who made his Reebok stay a permanent one when he signed a two-year contract yesterday, was a
Spurs3, Wanderers 2 by Gordon Sharrock PATS on the back and consoling words - however well-meant - featured in Sam Allardyce's worst nightmares last summer. Wanderers didn't strain every sinew and summon every ounce of effort to gain promotion just to
All the match stats by Gordon Sharrock WANDERERS 0 UNITED 4 Wanderers (3-5-2) JUSSI JAASKELAINEN ... 7 Some excellent saves but they counted for nothing in the end GUDNI BERGSSON ... 6 Stuck to the task well but was always fighting a losing battle ANTHONY
WITH a combined age of 71, Gudni Bergsson and Teddy Sheringham offer conclusive proof that the thirtysomethings have plenty to offer the Premiership. The Wanderers' skipper is playing the best football of his career while his Spurs counterpart continues
ASK any Manchester United fan why they want to beat Bolton tonight and they will pull out their pocket history books and point to 1958. In May that year Wanderers scored their greatest victory over the Red Devils -- with a goal that has left the Old Trafford
TWO schoolboys' wildest dreams will come true when Wanderers take on old rivals Manchester United on Tuesday. They will lead the Whites on to the famous Reebok pitch in front of 27,000 cheering fans -- and will become the envy of all their pals. Tom Cunniff
WANDERERS' FA Cup fourth round tie against Mansfield Town was postponed this morning due to heavy rain over night. Referee Alex Hamil inspected the Burnden Park pitch at 9.15am and was able to inform the Stags that the game would not be going ahead before
On September 25, 1974, my father took me to Old Trafford to see my first Bolton versus Manchester United derby writes Stephen Battersby Wanderers lost 3-0 in front of a 47,000 crowd in what was then the old Second Division. In that game all 22 players
AN injury time strike by Temuri Ketsbaia broke Bolton hearts as Newcastle beat Wanderers 2-1 at St James' Park. With the game level and the closing seconds ticking away Allesandro Pistone delivered a first time cross which was headed down by Alan Shearer
SIMON Charlton believes Manchester United will not make the mistake of fielding an under strength side against Wanderers again. But whatever side Alex Ferguson puts out at the Reebok on Tuesday night Charlton believes Wanderers will give them a run for
KEITH Branagan was the hero as he kept Steve Bull and co at bay as Wanderers beat Wolves 2-0 at Molineux. Bruce Rioch's side made the pot for the fifth round of the cup, but only because the keeper who was brought in from Millwall made two outstanding
A DREADFUL performance saw Wanderers thumped 5-1 at home by Coventry City. The magnificent Reebok Stadium was less than half full by the end as fans turned their back on a team looking more and more certain to again drop back into the First Division.
WORLD famous internationals playing Premiership football in the state-of-the-art surroundings of the Reebok Stadium is a testimony to how Bolton Wanderers have kept pace - often against the odds - with the progress of the game in the course of their 125
SAM Allardyce has told his players they must be brave against Manchester United tonight. The Wanderers boss acknowledged United go into the game as strong favourites but will send his players out into the Reebok cauldron with orders to be positive. United
THE 1920s will be remembered by Bolton Wanderers' supporters mainly for their heroes' performances in the FA Cup. They figured in the first final to be played at Wembley Stadium in 1923 and also won the coveted trophy in 1926 and 1929 using only 17 players
GUDNI Bergsson believes two of the best strikers in Britain will come face to face tonight. The Wanderers skipper comes up against the player he calls "The Man" while hoping the striker he believes should be playing for England will shoot his side to
WANDERERS V SOUTHAMPTON: Gordon Sharrock's live reports from the Reebok HAVING hinted of "a couple" of changes, Sam Allardyce left out no fewer than NINE of the players who started the Premiership game against Fulham on Saturday. Only Jussi Jaaskelainen
IN a few weeks, it will be the 50th anniversary of Bolton's appearance in the 1953 Cup Final at Wembley (for obviously reasons, I am glossing over the result!). This picture, though was taken five years later, when the Wanderers beat Manchester United
CHAIRMAN Phil Gartside and manager Sam Allardyce today urged Wanderers fans to keep the good name of Bolton Wanderers intact tonight. With soccer hooliganism such a sensitive issue at the moment Wanderers are desperate that there is no trouble at tonight's
WANDERERS 2, SOUTHAMPTON 2 After extra-time. (90 mins: 1-1) Wanderers win 6-5 on penalties Wanderers (4-3-3) JUSSI JAASKELAINEN ... 7 His penalty save from Marsden was crucial NICKY SOUTHALL ... 6 Right back, then midfield; good penalty DJIBRIL DIAWARA
FOR a manager who refuses to practise them and can't stand to watch them, Sam Allardyce has good reason to be grateful for his team's talent for converting penalties. Thanks to six brave volunteers, who showed character and accuracy from 12 yards in last
MOST of Bolton woke up with a huge hangover on Monday as the whole town celebrated Premiership survival writes Chris Sudlow. For Wanderers have confounded the soccer world by staying in the mega-money Premiership after their nail-biting 2-1 Reebok Sunday
Fan's view - By Alex Sankey: WHEN West Brom substitute Andy Johnson forced the ball over the line deep into added on time, Wanderers were cruelly denied two vital safety points. However, with another round of Premiership matches completed, they have once
JAY JAY OKOCHA, who is so good they named him twice, was also on target twice on Sunday. First his stunning first-half free kick ensured Wanderers beat Middlesbrough 2-1 to achieve Premiership safety at West Ham's expense. Then, in the evening he was
GUDNI Bergsson has told his Reebok team-mates they must win the tough physical encounters before relying on their quality players to win the battle for Premiership survival. The skipper says Wanderers must find a way of eradicating the late lapses that
MIDDLESBROUGH's final game before their crunch visit to the Reebok on Sunday had boss Steve McClaren in raptures over their super finishing. McClaren paid a special tribute to striker Szilard Nemeth after possibly the Slovakian striker's best performance
GARY Megson's changing expressions summed up his maelstrom of emotions after The Hawthorns relegation battle finished all square. The Baggies' boss, who billed the duel with Wanderers as the biggest game of his Premiership career, frowned at the loss
SIMON Charlton reckons the latest recruits to the Reebok foreign legion will not take long to learn the facts of Premiership life. "They only have to look at the table," said the best of Wanderers' British bulldog breed. "The ones who have been here for
Man of the match JAY-JAY OKOCHA His stunning free kick proved to be the winner but it was his constant top quality involvement which Boro just couldn't handle. Magic Moment Per Frandsen had only one thing on his mind when he saw Jonathan Greening dither
WHATEVER pre-match tension he is feeling, Sam Allardyce will manage a smile when he steps off the team coach and strides into The Hawthorns on Saturday. He always has a spring in his step when he visits West Brom these days and recalls the day he was
HOW dare Wanderers threaten the Premiership existence of West Ham United? The insolence of it writes Neil Bonnar, our writer who shoots from the lip If they succeed on Sunday they will never hear the end of it from the London-based press which has launched
SAM Allardyce admitted today that he was never tempted to throw any of his three deadline-day signings into the pressure-cooker atmosphere of Saturday's no-holds-barred relegation battle with West Brom. The new strikers - Spaniard Salva Ballesta and Frenchman
SPURS 4, WANDERERS 0: JUSSI Jaaskelainen played a blinder but left White Hart Lane empty-handed for the third time in two months, having conceded 13 goals. The big Finn made a string of sensational saves to prevent Spurs running up a massive scoreline
THE deafening roar as the final whistle blew at Bolton's Reebok stadium signalled the start of the biggest party since Wanderers won promotion to the Premiership two seasons ago writes Leroy Holcroft It had come down to this last game at the end of a
HOW Chief Soccer Writer Gordon Sharrock reported live for this website. 14:37: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2003 BARCLAYCARD PREMIERSHIP WEST BROM V WANDERERS SAM Allardyce resisted the temptation to field any of his trio of new loan signings when he stuck with
MIKE Whitlow has been ruled out for two weeks after suffering concussion in last night's FA Cup defeat by Spurs. He was detained in hospital after a clash with Dean Richards that at first sparked fears of a serious injury. An examination today revealed
