HOPES that the Reebok Stadium would become a regular venue for visiting pop megastars seem to have been dashed.

Two successful concerts by Manchester band Oasis 18 months ago led everybody to think that there would be other money-spinning gigs to follow.

Unfortunately for Bolton Wanderers (and fortunately for residents who complained about noise, litter and disruption), the promoters now seem to be shying away from similar gigs.

Lancashire Cricket Club's Old Trafford ground -- much to the annoyance of many of its members -- is now much in favour for this kind of event thanks to the success of the Robbie Williams concerts in July.

Wanderers' plan to find some much-needed extra cash looks to have been hit for six.

Promotions company SJM is happily dealing with Lancashire CC, while the Reebok seems to be out in the cold when it comes to attracting big names during the seven-week summer "window" when the football ground is available.

The Wanderers' commercial department now has a tough task on its hands as it looks for money-spinning alternative attractions.

Meanwhile, local concert-goers will have to continue looking to Manchester for the biggest names of the day.

We presume that there will be even more competition in this field when the 48,000-seater Commonwealth Games stadium eventually becomes the new home for Manchester City.

Manchester also has premier indoor venues which enthuse young people in a way which Bolton's Albert Halls simply cannot match.

The town hall does a good job attracting the middle-aged to visits by stars of yesteryear such as the Manfreds, but it is hardly cutting-edge stuff.

It is a pity that the town does not have a modern, purpose-built concert hall near the town centre capable of attracting the stars and providing facilities for cinema and classical music audiences as well.

Donor scheme good news THE news that the Royal Bolton Hospital is to employ a transplant co-ordinator is good news.

It will be worthwhile if only one life is saved by this attempt to encourage organ donors.

But great sensitivity will be needed in dealing with bereaved families.