IN response to "The class of '53" and "Bolton News Comment" of July 30, I can say that not only the players were hurt by the Wanderers' Cup Final defeat by Blackpool by 4-3.
I was in the Wembley Stadium crowd, aged 14, with a group of family and friends, and was gutted to tears over the defeat.
Bolton were winning by 3-1 at one stage. How could the scores change so dramatically? The reason has never been given for many decades, but it is this: For most of the game Bolton were effectively playing with only 10 men. Although wing half Eric Bell didn't leave the field after being seriously injured, he was little more than a hobbling spectator for much of the game. No substitutes were allowed then, and it was customary for injured players to remain on the field as a bit of nuisance value to the opposition.
Amazingly, Bell, despite his injury, was on hand to nod Bolton's third goal. But Bolton were seriously handicapped by Bell's misfortune and one could sense the worst would happen as Blackpool capitalised on their power advantage.
It's a pity that Press reflections never mention Bell's injury and the no-substitute situation. I have no doubt that Wanderers would have won this famous Cup Final convincingly had Bell been fit throughout the match.
Brian Smith,
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