SAM Ricketts was glad to see Wanderers ride out their financial storm and looks forward to his first return in the dugout.

The former Wales international spent nearly four years at Bolton, signing for £2.3million from Hull City under Gary Megson in 2009, and going on to make more than 100 appearances for the club.

After cutting his teeth in management with Wrexham, the 38-year-old is now in charge at Sunday’s opponents, Shrewsbury Town.

Speaking about his time at Bolton, Ricketts remembers the step up in class from his playing days on Humberside.

“The difference was joining an established Premier League side who had been there for a number of years,” he said. “The infrastructure, stadium, players you share the dressing room with and training ground was another level to anything I’d seen before.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time and have some really good memories.

“They’d been in the Premier League for 10 years on the spin or something and had a real good pedigree.”

On Wanderers’ troubles in recent years, he added: “It was such a shame because I have a lot of fondness for that club and I want them to do well.

“Eddie Davies was such a big part of it (the success) but then what went on with the next owner, I don’t think anyone will ever know the true extent.

“When I was there the club were in a really good position. Everything was looking positive.

“But I’ve heard very good things about the new owners and hopefully they’re going back in the right direction.”