Wanderers to play Hibernian in Jussi Jaaskelainen testimonial (From The Bolton News)

Wanderers to play Hibernian in Jussi Jaaskelainen testimonial

12:00pm Wednesday 6th May 2009 in

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JUSSI Jaaskelainen’s long and distinguished service to Bolton Wanderers will be celebrated at the Reebok in August when Gary Megson’s Whites will take on Scottish Premier League side Hibernian in a pre-season friendly.

The match on Saturday, August 8, will see the return to Bolton of Jaaskelainen’s fellow Finn, Mixu Paatelainen, manager of the Edinburgh club who played for Wanderers for three seasons in the Nineties.

Jaaskelainen, who joined Wanderers for £100,000 from VPS Vassa in November 1997, succeeded Keith Branagan as first-choice keeper and quickly established himself as one of the best shot-stoppers in the Premiership.

Now 34 and an experienced international, his fame has spread worldwide. Before committing his future to the Reebok by signing a new contract last summer, he was linked with a variety of top clubs at home and abroad.

An adopted Boltonian, having been settled in the town with his young family for more than a decade, Jaaskelainen has chosen three local children’s charities to benefit from his testimonial.

Jaaskelainen said: "There are three more important fixtures remaining this season which the team and I are fully focused on achieving as many points from as possible.

"However, my testimonial is a day for the supporters and I am looking forward to the occasion immensely. I am extremely proud of what I have achieved at Bolton Wanderers and it has been tremendous to represent this club for as long as I have done.

"It is great that my fellow countryman Mixu Paatelainen will be bringing his team to Bolton and it will be a good curtain raiser for the new season."