Custom Search

Bolton Wanderers Football Club were founded in 1874 by Thomas Ogden, a schoolmaster.

They were originally called Christ Church FC, and changed to their current name in 1877.

Founder Members of the League

In 1888, they were founder members of the Football League, and in 1894 reached their first FA Cup final.

However, their league form was less impressive and relegation became a regular event in the early 20th century - although they always seemed to bounce back more or less immediately.

The Golden Era

The 1920's were a golden era for the club and saw them win three FA Cups - 1923 (the famous "White horse final") 1926 and 1929.

In 1933/34 they were relegated but in true form bounced back the following year.

Thereafter they became a consistent, if somewhat unambitious Division One side. Their successes continued to be in the FA Cup rather than the League and after defeat in the 1953 "Matthews Final", Bolton won the cup again in 1958.

Boom and Bust

Bolton's history since then has been a remarkable story of repeated boom and bust.

After relegation from the First Division in 1964, they dropped to the Third Division in 1971. Two years later they were promoted as champions and in 1978 they won the Second Division to return to the top flight.

The club were relegated again in 1980 and over the next seven years continued their slide through the divisions. By 1987 they were in Division Four.

Move to the Reebok

At this, point, a partnership with international sports goods manufacturer, Reebok saw the club acquire a state of the art new stadium and begin their steady climb back through the divisions.

Back in the Big Time

By 1995 they were back in the top flight, and although relegated the following year and again in 1998, they began to gain a foothold in the Premier League, and under Sam Allardyce established themselves as consistent top ten finishers.

Click on the icons below for more on Bolton Wanderers Football Club;

Return from Bolton Wanderers Football Club to Premier League

Return to The Football Club Home Page

or Search the site

Custom Search