MARCH 28 1964. Bolton versus Aston Villa. My first Wanderers match. We were relegated that year and ever since, watching the Wanderers has been akin to a roller coaster ride writes Steven Battersby

Back in July last year, a second play-off failure still loomed large in the mind.

Top players Gudjohnsen, Jensen, Johansen had departed and replacements reflected the club's parlous finances.

As we head for the play-offs let us reflect on the twists and turns of the season to date.

JULY / AUGUST 2000

A DISASTROUS pre-season programme did nothing to alter my belief that the season ahead would be a transitional one.

When battle commenced on 12th August, an uninspiring 1-1 against newly promoted Burnley ensued and despite a massive injury list gave us little cause for optimism.

Subsequent victories against West Brom, Preston and to everyone's delight, Tranmere, lifted the gloom slightly.

Organisation and graft were beginning to compensate for departed talent.

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER

SEPTEMBER saw a further three wins to help take our minds off the petrol blockades.

Only Fulham exposed us at home, proving that hard work allied to quality always overcomes hard work alone. Commitment was there in abundance, though our squad lacked strength in depth.

October brought the first slump in form with successive defeats at Watford and Stockport. At Stockport, Mark Fish was to play his worst game in Bolton colours. Shortly after he would leave us for Charlton, having changed his mind over signing a new contract. Colin Hendry would eventually replace him to good effect but here was another example of Bolton constantly selling quality players.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER

RECORD rainfall did little to dampen my enthusiasm as Bolton strolled through the early winter months, winning seven out of the next ten games. A thrilling comeback in front of the Sky cameras against Watford, followed by a 4-1 thrashing of Crewe, confirmed the Trotters as genuine promotion candidates. It was going to be a very Happy New Year!

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2001

THERE is a defining moment in every season. Ours came on Saturday, January 13 when Jussi Jaaskelainen damaged his cruciate ligament. Despite having no impact on the result, a 2-0 win and double over Tranmere, the repercussions would be felt well into Spring.

Defensively we lost confidence and points started to seep away, most notably at home.

As Sam played around with his goalkeeping options, a series of defensive blunders cost vital points against QPR, Huddersfield and Grimsby.

Our cup involvement and sequence of home draws would both end at the hands of Blackburn Rovers. The gap between these Lancashire rivals was closing as Rovers marched through a series of difficult matches with maximum points.

MARCH / APRIL

FURTHER vital points were given away in successive home fixtures to Gillingham and Wimbledon, courtesy of defensive calamities. I was now looking for someone else's fingernails to chew! Our healthy lead over Blackburn finally evaporated and despite sound victories over Palace, Norwich (to break the home jinx) and Barnsley, the play-offs were again beckoning for us.