IT was an evening of celebration at the Macron Stadium on Sunday night as Bolton Wanderers capped their promotion back to the Championship with the end of season awards.

Just a few hours after the Whites sealed promotion back to the second tier, the players, along with manager Phil Parkinson, Chairman Ken Anderson and 500 fans and sponsors came together as one.

During the awards, manager Parkinson praised the whole club for staying strong throughout the season to make promotion a possibility.

He said: “There has been a lot of effort which has gone into this season, from the Chairman right down to everyone who works behind the scenes at the training ground and Macron stadium.

“I would personally like to thank everybody connected with the club for their support they have given us this year and the players for their professionalism and attitude they have shown since day one of pre-season.

“We couldn’t have asked for any more in the way they have applied themselves.

“To finish it all on a high today, its all been worth it.

“We have put pride back in wearing the Wanderers shirt.”

As many a fan had anticipated, David Wheater was announced as Player of the Season after a number of solid performances in the heart of Wanderers defence.

Wheater, who also chipped in with some key goals throughout the season, including on the final day, was also awarded the Players’ Player of the Year.

Elsewhere, teenage goalkeeper Jake Turner was awarded the Young Player of the Year after a number of stellar performances whilst deputising for the injured Ben Alnwick.

Jay Spearing capped a fine season with the Community Player of the Year award.

The Team Performance of the Season was the 2-1 win over AFC Wimbledon last August.

The team came from a goal down to record their first away victory for a remarkable 495 days with Liam Trotter's 70th minute winner making sure of the win.

The final award of the evening, voted for by the fans in attendance, was the Goal of the Season award.

Of the six nominations, the accolade went to Josh Vela’s one-two goal against Gillingham.

James Cooper of Sky Sports, who presented the event said he was proud to be at this “very very special football club.”

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Chairman Ken Anderson was also full of compliments for the players, fans and staff in what has been a big turnaround over the last 12 months.

He said: "I just want to thank everybody associated with the club, the staff, the players and of course the fans.

"All throughout the season, attendances have gradually started to increase and that got us over the line in the end so thanks for that."

"What now? Well, I will sit down with the manger, we will gather our thoughts, and plan for next season.

"This time with the confidence that we can go again.”