WHEN a fresh-faced Gordon Sharrock first walked into the newspaper offices of the Leigh Journal to begin a career in journalism, Sir Alf Ramsey’s England were still world champions and The Beatles topped the charts with Let it Be.

Today, the local legend known best for covering the fluctuating fortunes of Bolton Wanderers for 30 consecutive seasons for the Bolton Evening News calls it a day after nearly 45 years in the business.

Gordon took over as Wanderers reporter in March 1978, his first “runner” being a 3-2 defeat against Ipswich Town at Burnden Park made memorable by Frank Worthington’s famous goal from the edge of the penalty box.

Over 12 managers, three caretaker managers, all four divisions and games in 15 different countries, the Leigh-born-and-bred reporter covered every angle possible – even driving the team bus during a pre-season tour of America under Sam Allardyce.

To use a footballing phrase he “moved upstairs” in 2008 to become the deputy sports editor and as the final whistle loomed on his career in newspapers, Gordon admits he’s loved every moment.

“All I can say is that it has been thoroughly enjoyable,” he said. “I’ve had the privilege of working with some wonderful people in football, witnessed some of the very best players to have represented Bolton Wanderers and made some lasting friendships.

“To have represented the town’s newspaper during that time was an absolute honour.”

Gordon covered the club during two historic European campaigns — “three if you count the Anglo-Italian Cup,” he adds — and also nine showpiece games at Wembley and Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.

And he remains a highly respected figure in the game, not least by some of the big footballing names he worked with down the years.

“The biggest compliment I can pay to Gordon Sharrock is that after all the years I had in football, I have kept his number and have no hesitation in calling him for a chat,” said Bruce Rioch, the legendary Whites manager who guided the club from the old Second Division into the Premier League for the first time in 1995.

“I have tremendous respect for Gordon as a professional but also as a man of integrity.

“When I spoke to (former chairman) Gordon Hargreaves about taking the job I promised him there would never be a dull moment. I think Gordon would pay testament to the fact there wasn’t one.

“But part of the energy and excitement of those days was down to the relationship I had with Gordon, who helped make sure the town felt a part of what we were doing.”

Colin Todd, who led the side to a record-breaking promotion in 1997, paid his tribute.

“I bumped into him in an Italian restaurant in Manchester a few years back and had a great chat – but that was Gordon, you could speak with him as a friend, and also know he would be thoroughly professional,” he added.

“He knows and loves his football and I’d expect that will be difficult to ignore in retirement.”

John McGinlay, the Whites goal-scoring hero, said Gordon was an appreciated figure among the Wanderers players.

“He’s a class act – one of the team,” he added.

“People might think match marks are a bit of fun when they read the paper but players take them seriously, and I’m sure Gordon had to have some difficult conversations with a few players down the years, maybe go the long way round out of the stadium a few times.

“His honesty shone through, though, and if you’d had a bad game, he’d report it. You couldn’t have any complaints.

“Players valued his opinions, managers respected him, and I’m sure the fans recognise what a great job he did for so long covering the club.”