A BOLTON Wanderers fan is trying to drum up support to help him create an even better atmosphere at home games this season.

Louis Ainscow, a 25-year-old PE teacher from Heaton, hopes to raise £250 to buy a new drum kit and mallets to be used during matches to stoke up the crowd.

While he admits his drumming is not to everyone’s taste – Louis maintains that it does have a positive effect and with the old instrument now reaching the end of its usefulness, he hopes to have a new one in place for the start of next season.

“The old one was being used for years before being a football drum,” he told The Bolton News. “It’s old, battered and not quite loud enough to get to everyone in the stadium.

“You get a few negative comments from people and I recognise it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but I try to position myself among supporters to appreciate the drum.

“I’ve definitely noticed a difference in the atmosphere at home games this season, too. I think that’s down to the feelgood factor around the whole club, and especially on the pitch.”

Louis has been drumming at Bolton games for nine years but his role has arguably never been more important.

The signing of Icelandic star Jon Dadi Bodvarsson has brought with it the famous ‘Thunderclap’ chant, which often requires a drum beat to synchronise the thousands of people around the stadium.

Earlier this year the striker praised Bolton’s fans for adopting his home country’s unique celebration – which shot to prominence during the 2016 Euro Championship – but added that the fans “needed a better drum”.

He then led the whole stadium in a 'Thunderclap' after the final game of the season against Fleetwood.

Wanderers have also said they will assist Louis in his efforts to replace the old drum and a fundraising page has been set up HERE.