BOLTON Wanderers have identified their key target for the summer but it is not a striker or even a midfield playmaker — Owen Coyle needs a gardener.

The club has advertised the rare opportunity on its website and is looking to bring in the new signing as soon as possible — the deadline for applications to be received is August 12, a day before the new Premier League season starts The job was also posted on micro-blogging website Twitter, leading some mischievous Whites fans to suggest the role would be ideal for former first team manager Gary Megson.

Wanderers are looking for one lucky person to join its grounds team.

The new gardener will not be cutting the hallowed turf inside the Reebok Stadium but will instead be tending to the landscaped areas outside the stadium, as well as at the club’s training ground at Euxton and the Wanderers Academy in Lostock. The job advert at bwfc.co.uk said: “A rare opportunity has arisen to join the experienced grounds team at Bolton Wanderers Football Club.

“The successful candidate will have experience in nurturing and maintaining hedges and planted areas on a large scale and have a sound working knowledge of plant propagation.”

The job also involves the use of machinery, sowing, planting, pruning and spraying. But the club is not looking for a green fingered amateur.

Applicants need a minimum of NVQ Level 2 in horticulture and a knowledge of health and safety procedures. For details, go to bwfc.co.uk or call 01204 673673.