WE delved into the archives to see what was happening at Bolton Wanderers on this day in history.

 

On this day – March 26, 2002

WANDERERS paid tribute to one of football’s most famous voices, Kenneth Wolstenholme, who had passed away at the age of 81.

The Farnworth-born sports commentator had uttered the immortal words "they think it's all over, it is now" at the end of England's 1966 World Cup win – and had been a guest of honour at the final game at Burnden Park in 1997.

Wolstenholme, a former Farnworth Grammar School pupil, died at a private hospital in Torquay with his daughter by his side.

Wanderers' president Nat Lofthouse said: "Ken was always a gentleman."

Des McBain, the former Wanderers' chief executive and director of the football club, underlined Mr Wolstenholme's lifelong support for his local team.

"Ken was a regular guest at our games down the years. He was a good friend of Bolton Wanderers."

In all he commentated on 23 successive FA Cup finals and five World Cups before being ousted at the BBC after the 1970 World Cup to make way for David Coleman.

He also ushered in a new era in football coverage when becoming the first-ever commentator on BBC's Match of the Day.

The Bolton News:

On this day – March 26, 2013

WANDERERS told club legend Kevin Davies that his contract would not be renewed at the end of the season.

The club skipper had played 407 for Bolton, scoring 83 goals, and was in the early stages of planning a testimonial.

Davies had turned down loan overtures the previous month, including one from Hull City, but after being told on his 36th birthday that his services would no longer be required by manager, Dougie Freedman, he was left disappointed.

"I've had a couple of sit downs with the manager. I've been here for so long and you want to get a feel of what's happening next season, whether it's here or not.

"They have made that decision today. It's surprising to be honest because I've been here for so long and it's home. I thought I'd be at the club until I retired and maybe do coaching afterwards."

Freedman insisted the separation had been a cordial one – but the record books would show he had already made his final Bolton appearance, against Ipswich a week earlier.

"Kevin Davies is and always will be a Wanderers legend,” Freedman said.

"I want to be fair to him as regards his future, as he deserves it. This decision means that he is now free to sort himself out with a new club in plenty of time for next season.

"Being the type of man Kevin is, we sat down and had a chat about the future. He wants to carry on playing and playing regularly. He has that desire to continue and this is the best move for him.

"I would like to thank him for his complete support and utter professionalism since I arrived. He never gives anything less than 100 per cent in training, or when called on for first-team duties.”

On this day – March 26, 1932

JACK Milsom scored a hat-trick for Wanderers as they beat Sheffield United 3-1 at Burnden Park.

Signed from Rochdale, the Bedminster-born Milsom was top-scorer for six straight seasons at Bolton and now ranks as the fourth-highest goal-getter in the club’s history with 153 in 255 games. Only David Jack, Joe Smith and Nat Lofthouse scored more.

On this day – March 26, 1892

JAMES Cassidy holds the distinction of scoring Bolton Wanderers’ first-ever penalty, converting from the spot against Notts County.

Wanderers finished third in the First Division that season, behind Preston North End and a Sunderland side that won all 13 of their games.

At the bottom, Darwen finished 14th in the newly-extended top flight and would be relegated to become the founder member of the new Second Division. Oddly, their last-placed finish was the highest ever recorded by the club who would leave the Football League at the end of the decade.

On this day – March 26, 1881

WANDERERS beat Manchester United 10-0. Yes, you read that right.

It was the first time that Bolton had reached double figures but the league season had not yet been established. In fact, it would be another seven months before the club’s first FA Cup tie, which also contained 10 goals… A 5-5 draw with Eagley.