A DIE-HARD Bolton Wanderers fan has paid his own permanent tribute to Whites legend Nat Lofthouse.

Allan Mather, aged 53, who was brought up in Deane, has had an image of the Lion of Vienna tattooed on the top of his arm.

He decided to get the inking following the 85-yearold’s death last January and had it done at Psycho Monkey, Adlington .

The HGV driver said: “It was just when he died last year, it is my little tribute.

“He’s Bolton’s favourite son.”

The tattoo is based on a photograph of the footballer, taken at the 1958 FA Cup final which saw Bolton Wanderers beat Manchester United 2-0, thanks to two goals from Nat.

Mr Mather said: “I just think that picture says everything about him.

“I get lots of comments, everybody thinks it’s brilliant.

“You don’t get many people like him that stay with one club.”

The striker played more than 500 games and scored 285 times for Bolton, between 1946 and 1960, and also scored 30 goals in 33 matches for England.

He worked for Wanderers in a number of roles after he hung up his boots, including chief coach, chief scout, caretaker and club president.

Mr Mather, who has various other tattoos including an image of his grandfather, Joe Barker, said: “I’ve been watching Bolton since 1973, home and away.

“I’m a season ticket holder.

I never miss, home or away.”

The father-of-two, who now lives in Chorley, said the tattoo took more than six hours and cost £360.

He also has a tattoo of the BWFC club badge, which he had done in the 1980s.

A statue of Whites legend Nat will be unveiled at the Reebok Stadium on what would have been his 88th birthday — August 27, 2013.

It is based on the image of him walking out of the tunnel at Burnden Park holding the ball.

Bolton people have raised more than £35,000 to help pay for the statue with his family also making a significant donation.