THE words “White Hot” have become firmly established in the footballing vocabulary of Boltonians since that famous night in Liverpool 20 years ago.

They are synonymous with that FA Cup victory at Anfield, and the origin of the phrase goes back to the Bolton Evening News’ front-page headline the morning after.

The newspaper’s editor at the time, Andrew Smith, says he is flattered to be credited with coming up with the words.

“If I did, it only adds to the swell of emotion that has come to epitomise a glorious era in the history of a very special football club,” he said.

“When we beat Everton at Goodison Park a year later, I remember being in the office the following morning to lead the team at the BEN in recording yet another historic occasion for the Wanderers.

“I clearly recall seeing the photograph that mirrored the one used from the Liverpool game, when John McGinley once again led his team-mates over to the BEN photographer to salute the victory, arms aloft. The newsroom was united – it was ‘White Hot 2’.

“When Wanderers despatched Arsenal in extra time at Highbury three weeks later, Super John had already picked out the BEN photographer and ran with fellow scorer Jason McAteer to pose for another classic picture – White Hot 3. The legend was in the frame.”

The paper’s then sports editor, Peter Mensforth, recalls: “The front page had ‘White Hot’ and we went with ‘Kop That!’ on the back.

“It was one of the most memorable games during my long spell as sports editor at the paper and a great night for the sports desk.

“But two years later we played Liverpool again in the League Cup final and they got their revenge.”