A Bolton Wanderers fan who emigrated to Australia has been gifted a seat in an executive box on his return for Christmas.

Matthew Cox, a 37-year-old former Canon Slade student, moved to Australia from Bolton 12 years ago.

His move to the Gold Coast never dampened his dedication to his beloved Wanderers – he regularly waits up until 2am for kick off.

“I stay up to watch them live and then watch the highlights again the next day,” he said.

“I even watched them on the flight over at 33,000 feet, which was quite something.”

The Bolton News: Albert, Matthew, and HarryAlbert, Matthew, and Harry (Image: Matthew Cox)

Matthew, who has settled in the country with his Australian partner Chloe and their two boys Harry, three, and Albert, two, was in for quite the surprise when he returned to visit his parents for Christmas.

His mum, Denise, got in contact with a family friend who works for the Trotters’ shirt sponsor Service My Car, who was able to arrange for Matthew and his dad to get an executive matchday experience in a box for the game against Derby County on Tuesday, December 27.

This will be the first time former season ticket holder Matthew and his dad have been to a game together for six years.

“I’m really excited,” Matthew said. “I’ve always wanted to watch a game in a box.”

Matthew has made sure that his family are die hard Bolton supporters just like him. In fact, he is taking the whole family along to match before they head back home. This will be Harry and Albert’s first Wanderers experience.

The Bolton News: Matthew, Harry, Chloe and Albert at the UniBolMatthew, Harry, Chloe and Albert at the UniBol (Image: Matthew Cox)

It’s not just his family who he likes to make sure gets to the UniBol. Several times when in Australia, Matthew has bought family tickets and given the fans who would not have been able to attend otherwise.

“I’ve seen a people on the Facebook groups, so I’ve bought tickets and raffled them off to families. It’s a way I can support the club and help the families out.

“I like doing it, although my sister is now saying ‘why are you not buying me one?’”

Matthew is feeling optimistic about the remainder of the season, and believes his team have what it takes to make it to the playoffs.

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at lewis.finney@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @lewisfinney18.