DAVID Wheater fears the writing could be on the wall for him and other high earners at Wanderers.

Though the popular defender and his family are well settled in the area, he knows relegation to League One means the cloth has to be cut accordingly at the Macron Stadium.

Wheater, who is out of contract in the summer, gave up his appearance bonuses in the last few weeks to save the Whites cash and try to stay in Jimmy Phillips’ team.

And the supporters who stayed behind to applaud the 1-0 victory over Hull City on Saturday gave the centre-half a rousing reception in what could be his last home appearance.

“I have always tried my hardest, I think the fans know I give my all,” Wheater told The Bolton News.

“I try to block stuff and do what I can, and the reception I got was lovely, I don’t really know what to say.

“Whether I stay, I don’t know. Nothing has been said yet. It’s out of my hands really. Senior lads like me, Sparky (Mark Davies) and Jay (Spearing) might have to go – but you never know.

“I like playing for this club. We are settled here – I have one child, one more on the way and two big dogs that are crackers. It would be easier to stay around here but it’s going to be tough wherever we go.”

Wheater has been with Wanderers since 2011, making 117 appearances and scoring six goals. He has suffered a number of long lay-offs through injury but is currently on his best run of games since signing for the club from Middlesbrough for £2.2million under Owen Coyle.

“I have been quite happy with my performances – I get sixes and sevens in the paper,” he smiled.

“I pulled my hamstring against Forest but I think I’ve played 30 games, so I have been happy enough with that.

“We just haven’t won enough games as a team.”

Stephen Dobbie’s 65th-minute strike ensured Wanderers signed off at home with their first win in 15 games.

“It’s a nice feeling to finish the season here with a win,” Wheater said. “Now we need to put that away record to bed at Fulham next weekend. It’s such a great feeling and you feel so emotional making the fans happy, unfortunately we haven’t done it enough this season.”