EIGHT thousand into two thousand just doesn't go, so how do Bolton Wanderers solve the tricky problem of ticket allocation in a pandemic without alienating three quarters of their fanbase?

The answer is quite simple, treat people with respect. Tell them exactly what is going on and - if possible - give them a say in the eventual outcome.

The pandemic has thrown up challenges across the board for Wanderers, but none more difficult than the prospect of getting their loyal supporters back in the building.

Their original plan in October had to be ripped up and started again when coronavirus numbers spiked and left our town, above many others, wondering what the future held.

More than 8,000 people had committed their money in the summer despite not knowing exactly when they would get to watch a live game of football again. And make no mistake about it, that dedication is thoroughly appreciated by those inside the club's walls.

When we look back at this chapter in Wanderers' history there will be several villains remembered for their part in the downturn. But there will also be thousands commended for turning up in the most difficult times imaginable.

With that in mind, deciding who gets to attend that first game is a hell of a choice. It might have been easy to say 'first come, first served' and have queues snaking round Middlebrook, but that approach would have put some fans at a disadvantage, particularly older ones who would have struggled to trek to the stadium and stand in the cold.

There are also more practical problems - office staff who would have to man the phone lines and reply to emails. Bolton have been bitten in the behind once before with ticket fiascos - ready the 2004 Carling Cup Final - and they could ill-afford another disaster like that.

Instead, they have presented the argument in plain English. Wanderers know there is no ideal solution and would dearly love to have opened their turnstiles to all 8,000 people in a safe and responsible manner but these are the cards they have been dealt.

This sensible approach is becoming the norm since Football Ventures completed their takeover in late summer 2019. Having been treated so shabbily as a cash cow by previous ownership it is heartening to see some grown up discussions taking place.

Had it been practical to do so, you could be sure that fan groups would have been consulted on the options available before they were presented in an email sent out on Wednesday afternoon.

We now wait until the government give permission for the gates to be opened once more. We may be few in comparison, but we will be a happy few nonetheless.