WANDERERS have made an impassioned appeal for supporters to stay off the pitch should all go according to plan against Peterborough on Sunday.

Phil Parkinson’s side need just a point to secure promotion to the Championship and are expecting their biggest home gate of the season at the Macron Stadium.

If they succeed at the final whistle, it is understood a promotion trophy and commemorative medals will be presented to the players – who will then embark on a lap of appreciation.

Club safety officer Rod Cross told The Bolton News the warning to fans is not meant to spoil the fun but rather to avoid costly penalties to the club and allow all fans inside the stadium to watch the presentation.

“I’ve been supporting Bolton for 50-odd years and I remember being at Wrexham – I understand people want to celebrate and hug the players.

“But at the same time the stadium will have 20,000-plus people in it, many of them in the top tiers, and if we get the result we need, they should all get to enjoy the celebrations.

“I’d like to think this will be the best day we’ve had in years but we need people to be responsible.

“I watched Newcastle United do it the other night and their fans were excellent. I’m sure we can be the same.”

Wanderers warned in a statement yesterday that encroachment on to the pitch could result in a ban, or even criminal charges.

Last week’s win at Port Vale was marred slightly by a pitch invasion after David Wheater’s opening goal which took more than 10 minutes to clear, holding up the game.

It is likely the Football League will issue a financial penalty to Wanderers for failing to control their supporters – and their behaviour will be closely monitored again this weekend.

The club has also asked fans to arrive at the game early to ensure they are in their seats for kick-off. It is hoped the crowd will top the 23,376 who watched the 0-0 draw with Chesterfield .