Countdown to 2016/17 - 24 days to go

bwfc.co.uk continues its series of countdown articles profiling former players who have worn a specific shirt number for the club

In the latest edition of bwfc.co.uk's countdown series, we take a look at three players who have worn the number 24 shirt for Wanderers down the year.



Steve McAnespie
September 1995 - November 1997

Born in Kilmarnock, McAnespie started his career with Aberdeen in his native Scotland and also figured for Raith Rovers before linking up with Wanderers following their promotion to the Premiership in 1995.

Spending just over two years with the club, he failed to help them remain in the top flight but was a part of the side who won the First Division championship in 1997.

Limited in his appearances however – turning out on just 31 occasions for the Whites – he moved to Fulham later that year where he again struggled to make his mark, being sent out to Bradford City on loan during his time at Craven Cottage.

Eventually looking to wind down his career at the turn of the millennium, McAnespie figured for Cambridge United and Partick Thistle before hanging up his boots in 2002.

Where is he now?

Moving into management, the defender moved to the States where he took over the reins at Indiana Invaders. More recently, he became the varsity head coach at Brother Martin High School in New Orleans.



Anthony Barness
July 2000 – June 2005

Starting his foray into the game as a trainee with Charlton Athletic in the early 1990s, Barness’ initial stint at The Valley lasted just over a year before he was signed by Chelsea.

Going on the spend four seasons at Stamford Bridge, the defender returned to Charlton where he enjoyed a more fruitful second spell with the Londoners, making over 100 appearances in the red and white of the Addicks over four seasons.

Linking up with Wanderers at the turn of the millennium, Barness won promotion with the Whites in 2001 and also helped the club to the Carling Cup Final in 2004 and ensure European qualification the season after.

Remaining at the Reebok Stadium until 2005, he then made the switch to Plymouth Argyle before eventually seeing out his later playing days with Conference outfit Lewes.

Where is he now?

Retiring from the game altogether in 2011, Barness now runs his own ceramic tile business.



Danny Shittu
August 2008 – August 2010

A true stalwart of the English game, former Nigeria international Shittu certainly made his mark on football during his 16 years as a professional.

On the books of Charlton as a trainee, the centre-half spent stints with Blackpool and Queens Park Rangers on loan during his time at The Valley – the latter of which moved to sign him permanently in 2002.

A decision which proved to be a masterstroke by the R’s, Shittu went on to make 175 appearances for the Loftus Road outfit in all competitions over a four-and-a-half-year stay in the capital.

Swapping London for Hertfordshire with Watford his next port of call in 2006, his two seasons with the Hornets were followed by two with Wanderers, although the towering defender was limited to just 12 appearances for the Whites before departing in the summer of 2010.

Where is he now?

Moving to between Millwall and QPR inside the latter years of his career, the Nigerian remained at The Den from 2012 onwards before eventually retiring last summer aged 34.



Other Bolton No.24s include: Blessing Kaku, Joey O’Brien, David Ngog, Andrew Lonergan and Francesco Pisano

Tweets by @OfficialBWFC
Read Time: 3 mins