Madrid : A Long Way from Scarborough

It was the ultimate low for a once proud football club. On 29th August 1987, Bolton Wanderers, having been relegated to the 4th division of the Football league, travelled to new boys Scarborough, and lost four-nil. Despite the early set back, the team won promotion, but if anyone had suggested that Bolton would one day take the field in Madrid, within striking distance of a UEFA cup victory over one of Europe`s top sides, they would have been led away, gently but firmly, by men in white coats. Yet on Thursday, that is what will happen.

The recovery gathered pace under Bruce Rioch.

A White Hot night at Anfield as Third division Bolton, humble Liverpool.

Mad Friday at Hull. A late run leads to promotion.

The next season, and there’s more cup glory, at Highbury this time

It’s 1995 and the Whites are at Wembley for the League Cup Final. In case you`re wondering what happened to Alan Thompson’s goal, the scousers stole it.

Victory in the play off’s made up for that disappointment. Premiership side Bolton. It had a nice ring to it. Then Rioch left.

The Wanderers were relegated after one season, but stormed back the year after, scoring 100 league goals in the process. Another relegation followed, another manager departed and Bolton were on the skids again. Then came Sam Allardyce.

There were two cup semi-final losses and a bitter play off defeat at Ipswich, before his side won promotion at the expense of Preston (eat that Gollum). Bolton were back in the top flight. Where they were immediately installed as relegation favourites.

Try telling that to Leicester

Or Manchester United

Safety was finally assured by thumping Ipswich. Revenge was sweet. Are you watching Barry Knight?

Not that things were any easier the following season. At least there was a certain Mr Okocha to rely on.

Upward and onward. Four consecutive top eight finishes and two UEFA qualifications followed.

Then a magic night in Munich. Will there be another one in Madrid?

Thanks to the many YouTube contributors.



To the memory of Dave Higson. Look on and smile, mate.