WANDERERS’ promotion back to League One has been greeted with jubilation from Bolton’s political leaders ­— and they have hailed the impact the remarkable achievement will have on the town.

Whites put fans’ nerves to rest early on in the game away to Crawley going ahead after just nine minutes and finishing the first half two goals to the good and playing against 10 men.

They ran out 4-1 winners meaning the club finished third in the table, securing promotion.

The finish capped off an almost unbelievable turnaround in fortunes, with Wanderers in 19th position in the league table as recently as February.

But an incredible run of games saw Whites rise steadily up the table throughout the second half of the season, with memorable victories against promotion rivals Salford, Forest Green Rovers and Cambridge United.

Cllr David Greenhalgh said: “What a fantastic result. The players, the whole team and the new owners have pulled together to turn the fortunes of our great team around.

“Onwards and upwards now to get us back to where we we rightfully belong. It is absolutely brilliant news for the whole town.”

Leader of the Labour Group Cllr Nick Peel said: “It is always good for the town when the borough’s team is promoted.

“Bolton Wanderers are an integral part of the town and it is good for everyone when they do really well.

“I hope the team continues to go from strength to strength.

“We will push for fans to sit on the board of Bolton Wanderers, especially in light of recent events about the Super League, we pledged to do this before the Super League was even announced.

“Fans do sit on the board of some other clubs.”

No plans have been made at the town for any sort of civic reception for the team ­as yet — and with social distancing guidelines still in place, any such event could prove difficult to organise.

Business and regeneration chief Cllr Martyn Cox said: “Bolton Wanderers are a founder member of the football league so it is a huge relief the team is going up. When Bolton Wanderers do well, the town feels better for it.”