Ian Greaves – A Class Act

Former Bolton manager Ian Greaves has passed away at the age of 76. Greaves took over at Burnden Park in 1974 after Jimmy Armfield had left to take charge of Leeds United, and guided the club to a League Cup semi-final and then to the top flight of football in 1978.

There were many memorable moments of his tenure. The epic FA cup game with Newcastle United that ended in a 3-3 draw in front of 46,584 fans; the second division game where Bolton overcame league leaders Sunderland thanks in part to a spectacular headed goal by Sam Allardyce; the two near misses before promotion was achieved and the night at Ewood Park against Blackburn when the Wanderers finally secured promotion to Division One as champions.

Bolton struggled the season after, but survived, the highlight being a double victory over neighbours Manchester United. Greaves was sacked, prematurely in the opinion of many, with the Whites bottom of the table in the following season.

Condolences to the family of Ian Greaves, and thanks from Wanderers fans, who were lucky enough to experience the good times he brought to the club.