FORMER Wanderers players have sent their best wishes to stalwart Andrew Dean, who has retired from his role at the club.

It was announced yesterday morning that the long-serving promotions and lottery manager had left his job earlier this month.

A flood of tributes were sent in on social media praising the work Dean had done for Bolton – led by former Spain international, Ivan Campo.

“I hope that inside the club there is a person who thinks Andrew should be an honorary member of the club for life with infinite recognition,” he said on Twitter.

“Andrew, thank you very much for that incredible patience and for that special affection that you always gave me.”

Former captain, Kevin Davies, added: “This man has Bolton Wanderers running through his veins! He has seen the good and the bad, never lost his love for the club. Happy retirement Andrew and thanks for everything.”

The Bolton Wanderers Supporters’ Trust also sent their message of thanks: “The Supporters' Trust would like to pay tribute to Andrew and his years of dedicated service to the club and Development Association. Andrew was held in very high regard by all and had Bolton Wanderers running through his veins. In particular, he was a huge support to players and helped many settle in at the club.”

The trust also compiled tributes from playing legend, Per Frandsen, and former Wanderers chief executive, Allan Duckworth.

''He was a big help for me and Smurf (Michael Johansen) from day one making it easy for us and our family to adjust and feel welcome at BWFC,” Frandsen said. “It was the same for all players during my time at BWFC.

"He was living and breathing for the club. Even after my stay he’s been a big help every time we’ve come to visit Bolton. It’s without a doubt a big loss for the club. I wish him the very best for the future. Thanks Andrew.”

Duckworth added: “It's hard to imagine Bolton Wanderers without Andrew Dean!

“When I joined Burnden Leisure/Bolton Wanderers as Chief Executive twenty-two years ago Andrew was already a long serving club stalwart.

“He was respected by all; not just by everyone at the club and in the town, but throughout football. As Head of the Development Association Andrew was instrumental in raising millions of pounds over the years to help the club improve its facilities for the benefit of its supporters.

“The extent to which this work helped the club and its supporters cannot be overstated. He may have now retired but his legacy will continue through the ongoing work of the Development Association.

“During my own, very happy, 14 years at the club Andrew provided unstinting advice and support. He can be justly proud of his work and will, I know, be sadly missed.

“I am sure I speak for everyone associated with Bolton Wanderers, past and present, and especially his colleagues, when I wish Andrew the long and happy retirement he deserves.”

Dean, often dubbed “Mr Bolton Wanderers” was one of the club’s core staff, who moved to the new stadium from Burnden Park in 1997.

Along with a loyal team at the Bolton Wanderers Development Association, he helped to oversee the Goldline and Lifeline lotteries, which continue to provide millions of pounds worth of facilities and equipment for the team and fans.

Staff members at the UniBol knew nothing of Dean’s exit beforehand – and the club was asked to keep their acknowledgement low key.

When pressed by The Bolton News for a response, a club spokesperson said: “We can confirm that Andrew Dean has retired from the club and we have respected his wishes for this to take place without any further acknowledgement.”

In 2014 he was presented with the prestigious Dave Higson award by the Bolton Wanderers Supporters’ Association, in recognition for his work.

His resignation as a director of the BWDA was confirmed at Companies House on August 25.