WE delved into the archives to find out what was happening on this day in Bolton Wanderers’ history.

1992: The search to find Phil Neal’s successor at Bolton Wanderers was nearly over.

The Bolton Evening News confirmed that Bruce Rioch was the number one choice after three weeks of frenzied speculation which had seen several big names linked with the job.

Fulham boss Don Mackay was the readers’ choice in a phone poll by the paper – pipping Crewe’s Dario Grady, Birmingham’s Terry Cooper and Manchester United’s Bryan Robson to top spot.

Although chief executive Des McBain gave a polite “no comment” when asked if Rioch was on the verge of getting the job, we now know a few of the other candidates who got to interview stage.

Among the early names linked with the role were Eoin Hand, the one-time Republic of Ireland manager, and PFA chairman Brian Marwood.

How different would the White Hot era have looked if former Portsmouth and Chelsea boss Bobby Campbell would have impressed the board? Or ex-Stoke City boss Mick Mills?

The guessing games would continue for another 48 hours, although by then Rioch was already assembling his backroom staff.

A few people knew they were not going to get the job, however, as the club confirmed a number of ‘crank’ applications had been received including one from a wag who suggested BWFC should stand for “Beer, Women, Football and Chips.”

1994: Andy Walker insisted he didn’t want to leave Wanderers despite turning down a new contract.

The Scottish striker wanted to discuss his future with Bruce Rioch, having had a frustrating six-month lay-off with a knee ligament injury.

Mark Winstanley, Tony Kelly, Neil Fisher and Jason Lydiate were in the same boat and all wanted to sit down with the Bolton boss.

Walker had scored 51 goals in 73 games before his injury and hit four more when he returned with a flourish at the end of the 1993/94 season.

“I didn’t play as many games as I would like to have done but that’s the manager’s decision, I have no qualms with that,” he said. “But I have been offered a two-year deal when ideally I’d want a three or four year arrangement, knowing my family would be settled.

“I’d definitely be happy to stay here but at the moment it is out of my hands.”

2010: Owen Coyle asked Arsene Wenger to keep Wanderers in mind if Jack Wilshere was not considered ready for the Gunners first team.

The Bolton boss scotched talk that a swap deal for Gary Cahill could be on the cards but admitted he would have the young midfielder back at the Reebok in a heartbeat.

“I honestly think that Jack has improved as a player, so we have asked the question – if he feels that Jack is not quite ready for first team football next season, and there is no shame in that, then we would love the opportunity to bring him back next season and let him continue his development.

“That kind of deal would benefit Arsenal, benefit Jack Wilshere and benefit Bolton Wanderers, so it would be perfect.”

1982: Burnden boss George Mulhall was weighting up a move for former Wanderers keeper Barry Siddall after receiving a transfer request from Jim McDonagh.

It was not a foregone conclusion that McDonagh would leave, but Everton were known to have shown an interest and the Yorkshire-born Irishman was keen to return to top-flight football.

Nevertheless, Mulhall indicated he had all bases covered when he said he would “definitely be interested” in Siddall, then at Sunderland, if McDonagh left.

1969: Wanderers welcomed a cricket game to Burnden Park for Eddie Hopkinson’s testimonial celebrations.

Wanderers faced a Lancashire XI containing West Indian great Clive Lloyd, who gave drivers on Manchester Road something to think about as he peppered sixes out of the stadium to the delight of the crowd.

The Bolton News:

1959: Wanderers were on a 10-game tour of South Africa and beat Border FA 6-1.

They lost only twice on the trip, against Eastern Transvaal and Natal, but beat Southern Transvaal, Western Province, Northern Transvaal, two South Africa XIs and two Northern Rhodesia XIs in a 36-day spell.