AS the clock ticks down to the final of the Goldline Trophy in association with the Bolton Evening News on Monday night Goldline officials are rubbing their hands with glee at the number of local celebrities and dignitaries who are attending the final.

Heading the list is Nat Lofthouse who has supported the competition since its inception in 1998. Never one to ignore the cause of local football in Bolton for the third consecutive final local amateur players will be presented with their medals by the Wanderers legend.

Also representing the Wanderers will be a man who has given huge support to grass roots football, Andrew Dean, manager of the Goldline daily draw. Without him the competition would not have happened and again local amateur players are in his debt as he is the man solely responsible in convincing Wanderers chairman, Phil Gartside, and the directors to allow an amateur final to take place at the Reebok.

Councillor Alan Wilkinson, the Mayor of Bolton will also be present as will Mr and Mrs Alan Porter representing the Lancashire Football Association. Derrick Proctor and Ray Goddard are representing the West Lancs League in which both finalists, Tempest United and Charnock Richard, play.

Finally, Lofty the Lion will be there to entertain what is sure to be the biggest crowd yet at a local amateur cup final and one that cements the growing relationship between Bolton Wanderers and grass roots football.