DAVID Wheater would dearly love to see the Macron Stadium in full party mood on Sunday.

After six-and-a-half years at Wanderers, the big defender has had to grin and bear his way through some tough times, including two relegations.

But with promotion just one point away he is desperate to give the Whites fans some success and get the club upwardly mobile once more.

“I’ve been here a long time now and it would be great to see a big crowd and really celebrate,” he said ahead of the Sunday lunchtime kick-off against Peterborough United.

“It’s been up and down. I’ve loved being at Bolton and it would be nice to get promotion and then go on. I think if it happened we could stay in the Championship next season too.

“I’m sure it will be a big crowd. There were plenty of fans in last Tuesday night against Bury but it’s a bit disappointing because you don’t get some of the younger ones coming in, who’d be able to go to the game if it was a Saturday daytime.

“Hopefully with it being a twelve o’clock kick-off will give everyone a chance to get down and hopefully be a big celebration.”

If Wanderers secure second spot, talk of a players’ holiday to Dubai or Las Vegas has been mooted – adding another incentive to avenging last season’s relegation.

“The word ‘promise’ never got mentioned but it would definitely be nice to go away with the lads and enjoy ourselves,” said the centre-half.

“Given the choice, I’m not much of a gambler, so I suppose I’d have to go with camel racing and pick Dubai.”

Wheater thought his eighth goal of the season had sealed promotion last weekend at Port Vale but Fleetwood’s win at Gillingham ensured the wait continues for at least 90 more minutes.

Gary Madine also grabbed his 10th of the season to round off a professional performance, and leave the Wanderers’ top scorer race wide open going into the last game.

Madine is level on 10 with Josh Vela, while Wheater’s battle with defensive partner Mark Beevers has also been reignited after his header at Vale Park.

“I’m on eight now, which I’m happy with – but if Beevs scores against Peterborough it had better be the winner,” he said. “At half time Parky (assistant manager Steve Parkin) said to us that we should start the competition up again and that one of us should go and get the header. It felt great to get the goal, even though it felt a bit flat towards the end after the Fleetwood result.

“Hopefully we’ll get it sorted on Sunday.”