IN the 1970s, along with two or three committee men, I ran Walkden Town AFC who played in the highly regarded Bolton Combination Premier Division.

Our best season was when we appointed ex Walkers Institute FC player Jimmy Nichol as our Player Manager and he transformed our good team into an exceptional one by doing two things.

First he got every player as fit as any amateur could be and, second, he played himself in a sweeper position.

With his ability to read a game, his tenacious tackling and a good heading of the ball, he pushed his fellow defenders upfield, putting constant pressure on the opposition.

Seems to me Bolton Wanderers could learn from Jimmy and play a sweeper (wouldn't Andy Todd be ideal?) behind our very talented but not longer young centre halves.

My best wishes to Sam and BWFC, and thanks. At the very least, they make life interesting.

Richard Grant

Carfraemill

Lauder IN the 1970s, along with two or three committee men, I ran Walkden Town AFC who played in the highly regarded Bolton Combination Premier Division.

Our best season was when we appointed ex-Walkers Institute FC player Jimmy Nichol as our Player Manager and he transformed our good team into an exceptional one by doing two things.

First he got every player as fit as any amateur could be and, second, he played himself in a sweeper position.

With his ability to read a game, his tenacious tackling and a good heading of the ball, he pushed his fellow defenders upfield, putting constant pressure on the opposition.

Seems to me Bolton Wanderers could learn from Jimmy and play a sweeper (wouldn't Andy Todd be ideal?) behind our very talented but not longer young centre halves.

My best wishes to Sam and BWFC, and thanks. At the very least, they make life interesting.

Richard Grant

Carfraemill

Lauder