Wanderers stand firm for supporters

Bolton manager Gary Megson believes his club have proved the world of football does not always revolve around money and greed.

Chairman Phil Gartside confirmed this week that two approaches have been rejected by television companies to screen tonight’s UEFA Cup last-16 clash with Sporting Lisbon at the Reebok Stadium.

One company wanted to switch the kick-off to 7pm and the other to 8.45pm, but in the interests of the fans Gartside insisted on the initial 8pm start – and a near full-house crowd is expected.

“Football sometimes comes in for bad publicity,” said Megson.

“This week we’ve had the opportunity to change the kick-off time, which would have let down a few supporters.

“We would certainly have made a lot more money from the television revenue, but we’ve turned it down and decided to drop the prices to get more people in.

“I hope they do appreciate it because the supporters are the life-blood of football, and must be treated as such.”

Yet while the UEFA Cup has proved quite a remarkable adventure for Bolton, the club are still fervently fighting to avoid relegation from the Barclays Premier League.

Their UEFA Cup cause is aided by the fact they have no league game this weekend - but after next week’s second leg they face a crucial showdown with north-west rivals Wigan.

“I hope we get many fans from this game heading over to help us at Wigan, which when all said and done is the biggest game of the next three we play,” insisted Megson.

“The priority is and always will be the Premier League. Regardless of how we shape up going into the second leg, without a doubt the focus will be on Wigan.

“Premier League survival is so important. You’ve heard Kevin Keegan at Newcastle say it is absolutely imperative his side don’t go down.

“I’ve heard the chairman at Fulham say the same thing, and we’re saying the same thing – because everybody recognises the importance of being in the Premier League.

“So the most important thing for us are our next 10 league games.”

Remarkably, while only goal difference separates Bolton from a place in the bottom three in the league, they are unbeaten in 10 UEFA Cup matches this season.

Asked whether he had been surprised by his team’s European form, Megson replied: “I don’t think surprised is the right phrase, but I’ve been really pleased.

“When we went to (Bayern) Munich we had 10 injuries and we had no choice with the team we put out – but by work rate and putting in a good shift, we got a good result.

“That’s what has happened on our travels in Europe, and it’s a bit of a pointer as to what the players can do – given the opportunity.

“It’s more a pointer to the players of what can be achieved if you put in a really good shift – and that’s not just a few players, but everyone.”

Captain Kevin Nolan is a major doubt with a back injury, while there are four players out – with El Hadji Diouf suspended, and Grzegorz Rasiak, Gretar Steinsson and Tamir Cohen all ineligible.