Eirik Titland has been spreading the Wanderers word throughout Europe for many years and now he has been recognised for efforts by scooping the 'Supporter of the Year' award in Norway.

There are over 100,000 supporters connected to Supporters Union for British Football Clubs (SBF) - an organisation which unites fans of British teams in Norway.

Each year four members are nominated for the prestigious title with officials from the SBF and television channel Canal Plus casting their opinion on who should be crowned the winner.

Eirik has only been following the Trotters since 2001 but his loyalty and passion over the last eight seasons made him a deserved choice - 12 months after he finished runner-up!



He explained: "It feels quite amazing to receive such an award. I know how many extremely talented and faithful supporters there are in Norway and how hard they work in the different fan clubs.

"I was very proud to be nominated last year, and I could not believe my own eyes when I saw that I was put forward again this year. The fact that I am the 'Supporter of the Year' amongst nearly 100,000 who are associated with SBF is totally amazing!

"This means a lot to me personally as it must surely be the best feedback anyone can get for the work they do.

"It's a little embarrassing to tell this because I know that people at my age usually can boast that they have been a supporter of a team since the 1970s, but Bolton first caught my attention in 2001 when I went to see Manchester United play at home against the Wanderers.

"Manchester United scored early in the first half and I expected a one-way ride. But shortly after that goal Kevin Nolan equalised and then in the second-half Michael Ricketts scored the winner. This impressed me and I began to keep an eye on them during the season. The following season, I also watched Bolton play at Old Trafford (on television). Bolton won again and it was then I was convinced that this was my team.



"The passion has just been growing and growing. I joined the Board of Bolton Wanderers Supporters Club Norway (BWSCN) after serving as webmaster for a while. Then I also took over the editor's job for the members' magazine and now I've also been elected as chairman for the Supporters Club.

"But what's driving me? It's not easy to say. It's a hobby and a passion. When you fall in love so deeply with a football club as I have done, it's just fun to work with in my spare time. I really enjoy it because there is so much more that comes along with it. I have made so many great friends through the whole Bolton environment, both here in Norway and in England and even around the world."

Bolton Wanderers have supporters clubs worldwide and the Norwegian branch currently has 180 members, with a handful of those making an annual pilgrimage to the Reebok Stadium to watch a first team game. This forthcoming season they will trek over from Scandinavia for the fixture against Stoke City on Saturday September 19.



With each visit they present a 'Player of the Year' award to the respective member of the squad - last season's winner being Kevin Davies - and also catch up with defender Gretar Steinsson, who is the current President of the Supporters Club.

Eirik added: "We welcome new members but they tend to appear by themselves. I think the best form of recruiting is to always make sure that the Supporters Club maintains a good reputation. There is no goal for BWSCN and we are more concerned to retain the members that we have in the best possible way.

"Although the supporter award is a personal prize, I would like to thank all the people who are involved in the fan club's work in a smaller or greater extent. As it is presented now, it looks more like that I run this fan club all alone but that is far from the case. These people are absolutely indispensable and keep the wheels going around.

"It is also fantastic to have Gretar as President - we had a vote between the members and he was a popular choice. We send across emails to the club regularly and it is great that he takes the time to reply to all of our questions."