A RETIRED teacher has been busy brightening up the lives of Bolton Wanderers players with a huge mural.

John Deady -- who still helps out on a voluntary basis at St Joseph's High School in Horwich -- has been working on the 40ft long painting at the Wanderers training ground in Euxton since last October.

The 64-year-old has enjoyed painting all his life and has already created several murals in people's homes and at a clinic in Halliwell.

He heard that the Wanderers fancied a spot of artwork at the training ground and was only too willing to help out.

Despite having been a rugby fan all his life and a supporter of Preston North End in his youth, Wigan resident John has now become a loyal Wanderers supporter.

The mural, which is nearing completion, includes images of star Wanderers players from the past, such as Nat Lofthouse scoring his two goals in the classic 1958 FA Cup Final match against Manchester United.

John, who is a bachelor, said: "If there is a wall, I love painting on it. I've always enjoyed painting and started out as an art teacher at St Joseph's.

"I watched Nat Lofthouse play quite a few times when I was a lad and used to support Preston.

"Having spent so much time at the training ground I've got to know some of the players quite well and have my dinner with them. So I've become a Wanderers fan because they are such great lads."

John, who taught a wide variety of subjects at St Joseph's and still helps out with athletics, Latin and poetry writing, is also finding time to study Advanced Writing with the Open College of Arts, and gardening at Myerscough College.

A Wanderers spokesman said: "It is great to have a constant reminder of Wanderers' heritage at the training ground.

"Players from the Academy train at Euxton and it's nice for them to have the chance to see the history of the team as they are Wanderers' future.

"John has certainly brightened the place up and the mural is very impressive."

ABOVE: John with skipper Gudni Bergsson and the mural