NAT Lofthouse, arguably the greatest-ever Wanderer, passed away seven years ago today.

The former England centre-forward - the feared Lion of Vienna - was a one-club man who dedicated his life to Bolton Wanderers.

He signed as a 14-year-old for the Whites in September 1939 as war broke out, his full debut coming in March 1941 against Bury.

From there he played at the highest level his whole playing career - helping Bolton to the FA Cup final in 1953, where they were beaten by Blackpool, and again in 1958, where they beat Manchester United.

He hung up his boots in 1960 but his service to Wanderers was far from finished. He stayed on at Burnden Park in a number of positions on the backroom staff before becoming manager in 1968 and remained on the staff until 1972 when, controversially, he was told his services as chief scout were no longer required.

After six years “in the wilderness”, as he put it, he returned to Burnden Park as manager of the executive club and began his second career with Wanderers, spearheading much-needed fundraising ventures such as the Burnden Lifeline Society and taking on ambassadorial duties with the same determination and passion that were the hallmarks of his days as a powerful, bustling centre forward.

He passed away on January 2011 at the age of 85.

Here are some of the enduring images of Lofthouse and his beloved Bolton Wanderers.

The Bolton News:

Holding the FA Cup, just presented to him by the Duke of Edinburgh, Nat Lofthouse, centre-forward and captain of Bolton Wanderers, is chaired by team-mates after Bolton had defeated Manchester United 2-0 at Wembley.

Bolton Wanderers captain and centre-forward Nat Lofthouse, who scored both his team's goals, is given a drink from the FA Cup by manager Bill Ridding in the dressing room at Wembley after Bolton had beaten Manchester United 2-0 in the Cup Final.

The Bolton News:

Actor and radio presenter Wilfred Pickles finds it tough work training with Bolton Wanderers Nat Lofthouse at the club's Burnden Park ground ahead of a trip to Germany where he will entertain the troops.

The Bolton News:

Nat Lofthouse (left) and Sam Allardyce celebrate in the dressing room after winning the Nationwide Division One play-off final against Preston at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff.

The Bolton News:

Nat Lofthouse, Bolton Wanderers and England centre forward, with his statuette as Footballer of the Year in 1953.

The Bolton News:

In 1951, Nat Lofthouse appealed to Wanderers to officially recognise the Supporters' Club. 

The Bolton News:

Nat Lofthouse with with a limited edition Lion of Vienna honour cap which Barry Chaytow, the former Wanderers' chairman produced.

The game - played in 1952 - ended 3-2 and was remembered for Lofthouse's incredible bravery to score the winning goal in Austria.