Many of you will know, I am a lifelong supporter of Bolton Wanderers Football Club.
Every season at the home fixture that is closest to Remembrance Day, Bolton Wanderers have a Remembrance Fixture and pay respects to all those who have lost their lives in conflict.
Saturday's home fixture against Oxford United was this seasons Remembrance Fixture.
A guard of honour including military veterans and family representatives of those who have lost their lives in conflict, and were Wanderers fans, welcome the players on to the pitch.
Club Chaplain Phil Mason then reads the Ode to Remembrance, a wreath from both clubs is laid on the pitch and a bugler plays the Last Post, prior to a minute’s silence.
The players wear shirts bearing the poppy as part of the afternoon’s Remembrance activities. The same shirts will be worn at Wanderers’ next away League game at Cambridge United before being auctioned off to raise vital funds for the Poppy Legion
This is the view from my seat in the Upper Tier of the East Stand.
An impeccably observed moment
As for the match , the Wanderers lost 3-1, the squad rotation system resulted in a mixed bag midfield , that didn't work as planned. The 120+mile journey home was bad too, with the M62 shut for roadworks !!!
Oh and the strange markings on the pitch? Last week the stadium hosted a Rugby League World Cup match between England and France.
What a wonderful reverent & moving custom here at Bolton….. with so many bad reports from football matches it’s good to see. Pity about the score but that’s football!
No surprise reading about your journey, the road systems seem chocked up just now! The M6 is closed southbound during the night for repairs plus A6 with temporary traffic lights while they dig up roads for new housing estates……lots of grumbles round here!
@happypat pat, most football clubs do an act of remembrance this time of year . I don't know if they are all on a scale as this one . The crowd do a large roar and applause at the end ,( 17,500 in attendance on Saturday)
Beautiful shot. I like to see these memorials taken seriously by all those present. Quite a crowd to see the match. Sorry for another Bolton lost match.
No surprise reading about your journey, the road systems seem chocked up just now! The M6 is closed southbound during the night for repairs plus A6 with temporary traffic lights while they dig up roads for new housing estates……lots of grumbles round here!