Wanderers' countdown to the new season continues with just eight days remaining until the start of the campaign
With just over a week to go until Wanderers' season opener, bwfc.co.uk's series of countdown articles continues with number eight taking pride of place today as we profile three players who have worn that digit for the Whites.
Scott Sellars
December 1995 – June 1999
A man whose career spanned over two decades, Sellars started out with Leeds United in the early 1980s before moving on to Blackburn Rovers.
It was at Ewood Park that the midfielder really made his name, making over 200 appearances during a six year spell in Lancashire before returning to Elland Road for a brief spell in 1992.
Next on the move to Newcastle United the following summer, his efforts for the Magpies during two-and-a-half years in the North East earned him his transfer to Bolton in December 1995 for £750,000.
Helping the club win promotion via the play-offs in his first season alongside reaching the League Cup Final, Sellars was also part of the side who secured the Division One championship in 1997.
Departing the Reebok Stadium in 1999, he played for Huddersfield Town, AGF Aarhus and Mansfield Town before hanging up his boots in 2003.
Where is he now?
Since retiring, he has acted as Chesterfield’s assistant manager, an academy coach at Manchester City and is currently on the coaching staff at Wolves.
Ivan Campo
August 2002 – August 2008
A true legend on Macron Stadium’s terraces, the unique personality of Campo was one which ensured he quickly endeared himself to the Bolton faithful and in turn, created a bond which to this day is still as strong as ever.
The defensive midfielder had figured in his homeland for the first decade of his professional career with Alaves, Valencia, Valladolid, Majorca and Spanish giants Real Madrid, with his loan move to Bolton in 2002 being his first venture onto English shores.
Helping the Whites stave off relegation in his season-long loan, he agreed permanent terms with the club in the summer of 2003 and went on to enjoy five successful seasons at the Reebok Stadium, reaching the Carling Cup Final alongside achieving qualification for the UEFA Cup twice.
Departing for pastures new in 2008 after helping keep the Trotters in the top flight, he spent a spell with Ipswich Town before ending his career with a stint at Cyprus-based club AEK Larnaca.
Where is he now?
Returning to the club for Jussi Jaaskelainen’s testimonial in 2009, the curly haired Spaniard still holds the club in high regard and is often found conversing with Bolton fans on Twitter.
Stuart Holden
January 2010 – July 2014
Arriving in England as a virtual unknown back in 2010, Stuart Holden wasted no time in ensuring that his name will always be one close to the hearts of Bolton fans.
Although born in Scotland, the midfielder relocated to Texas at the age of ten and has since gone on to represent the United States of America alongside figuring for them at Under-20 and Under-23 level.
Starting out with Clemson Tigers, Holden ventured back to the UK in 2006 to join Sunderland but following an injury sustained to his eye socket in an unprovoked attack, he failed to make a first team appearance for the Black Cats and returned to the States shortly after.
Then going on to join Houston Dynamo, Holden’s efforts for the club ultimately led to his move to the Reebok Stadium, with then-manager Owen Coyle bringing him to BL6 after joining from Burnley.
Unfortunately for the American however, a number of injuries sustained during his time with Wanderers ensured that he only made 38 appearances in a Bolton shirt coupled with a brief spell on loan at Sheffield Wednesday in 2013.
Where is he now?
Currently back in the US and having announced his retirement from the game earlier this year, Holden is forging a new career as a sports pundit.
Other Bolton No.8s include: Per Frandsen, Joey O’Brien, Keith Andrews and Jay Spearing