BOLTON Wanderers have launched a new ticket and membership office hotline after discovering their previous system was handling little more than a third of supporters' calls.

A survey earlier in the season revealed that only 13,000 of the 35,000 calls a month were being handled.

The new service, installed yesterday, is capable of handling 2,000 calls simultaneously, which Wanderers are confident will improve customer service.

Fans ringing the new ticket and membership hotline - 0871 871 2932 - will be able to speak to a member of staff but will also be able to purchase tickets without having to speak to an operator. Customers will also be able to leave their telephone number and a short message during busy periods and their call will be returned within 24 hours.

Wanderers Commercial Director Gareth Moores said: "The new communications system manages the growing number of calls much more quickly and efficiently."