Defender David Wheater paid a surprise visit to long-standing supporter Mike Egan on Wednesday evening to hand-deliver his season ticket for the Whites’ upcoming 2017/18 Sky Bet Championship campaign.
Wanderers’ Player of the Year in 2016/17, the centre-half took time out to visit the Barnstormers Pub in Lostock – a popular pit-stop for Bolton fans on matchdays – to meet Mike.
A supporter of the club for over 60 years, the 70-year-old was enjoying a drink with his golfing friends, only to be left stunned as Wheater walked through the doors of the establishment with his new North Stand Lower season ticket in hand.
And speaking following the visit, Mike couldn’t hide his delight.
“It was a great surprise, it really was and I appreciate it so much,” he said. “Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I’d receive my season ticket and have it delivered by my hero of last season.
“I’ve been a season ticket holder with the club for longer than I can remember. The first game I ever saw was in 1956 at Burnden Park – there was snow on the ground, the lines were in blue, Nat Lofthouse played and we won 6-1!
“I’m looking forward to the new campaign though, I really am. After last season, we proved that anything is possible in football and being a Wanderers fan, you’re always positive and optimistic!
“With a club like Bolton Wanderers, when you get a whole town behind you as they did last season, the sky really is the limit."
Wheater also echoed Mike’s sentiments, adding, “It’s been brilliant to come down here and meet such an amazing fan – he’s supported the club for so long and it’s great to be able to give him a little surprise.
“His first game was actually before my parents were born, so that’s mad to think about how long he’s been supporting us.
“I know growing up, had this happened to me I would have been made up and I’m just chuffed that I’ve been able to put a smile on Mike’s face. We want to make the fans happy because they show their support for us all year around and things like this are really enjoyable and make some great memories for everybody.
“Ever since I joined the club, the fans have always been brilliant with me and the lads, so hopefully we can keep them happy like we did last season come the start of the new campaign next weekend.”
Season tickets for Wanderers’ upcoming campaign are still available ahead of the club’s Sky Bet Championship opener against Leeds United on Sunday 6 August.
Supporters meanwhile have until 3pm on Saturday 29 July to spread the cost over eight months with the club’s interest free Direct Debit scheme, with a 20% deposit upfront.
The club’s ‘season ticket guarantee’ means that a Bolton Wanderers season ticket will continue to be the most cost-effective way to follow Wanderers at Macron Stadium compared to the cost of buying on a match-by-match basis.
For more information on prices or to purchase, please visit Bolton Central in person, phone 0844 871 2932 or click onto www.eticketing.co.uk/bwfc.