To be honest I was looking for something else when I stumbled across a site with some pictures of players from several years ago.
So I thought I'd take the opportunity to bring back a few memories!
So I thought I'd take the opportunity to bring back a few memories!
Neil Whatmore
Whatmore burst onto the Bolton scene in a blaze of glory when scoring twice on his debut in an away game against Swansea at the Vetch Field. These two strikes in Wales where to be the first of over 120 goals for the club in three seperate spells.
Full Name: Neil Whatmore
Born: 17th May 1955, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, England
Position: Forward
Nationality: English
Club Honours: Division 2 1978
Signed From (1st spell): Apprentice, May 1973
Sold To (1st spell): Birmingham City, August 1981, £340,000
Signed From (2nd spell): Birmingham City, December 1982, Loan
Signed From (3rd spell): Oxford United, March 1984, Loan
Former Clubs: Bolton Wanderers, Birmingham City, Bolton Wanderers (loan), Oxford United, Bolton Wanderers (loan), Burnley, Mansfield Town, Bolton Wanderers, Mansfield Town, Worksop Town
Coaching Career: Mansfield Town (Reserve Team Coach)
Bolton Debut (1st spell): 4th April 1973 versus Swansea City (A), Division 3
First Goal (1st spell): 4th April 1973 versus Swansea City (A), Division 3
Bolton Debut (2nd spell): 4th December 1982 versus Cambridge United (A), Division 2
First Goal (2nd spell): 11th December 1982 versus Charlton Athletic (H), Division 2
Bolton Debut (3rd spell): 17th March 1984 versus Exeter City (H), Division 3
First Goal (3rd spell): 24th March 1984 versus Newport County (A), Division 3
Notes: Had a fourth spell with the club in 1987 which was funded by a supporter but never made it past the reserves.
Whatmore was born in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire. He made his debut for Bolton in what was then the Football League Third Division as an amateur, after coming through the club's youth system. He scored twice in this game, an away game at Swansea City. Bolton secured the divisional title that year and he scored thirty one goals four years later in promotion to the First Division. On promotion to the top division, Bolton's first choice forward line became Alan Gowling and Frank Worthington and Whatmore played in midfield for a season before being pushed forward again, scoring eighteen goals although Bolton were relegated.
Birmingham City signed him for £350,000 to reunite him with Worthington, but the pair failed to gel, and Whatmore played only rarely. When Ron Saunders took over as manager, both players fell from favour, but Whatmore stayed another year, some of which he spent on loan at Oxford United and for three months at Bolton, before being sold to Oxford United. The emergence of John Aldridge meant Whatmore was surplus to requirements after a season and, after a second loan spell at Bolton, he joined Burnley in a part-exchange deal with Billy Hamilton before moving on to Mansfield Town a few months later. When he was released after two-and-a-half years he spent his fourth and final spell at Burnden Park, an anonymous fan coming up with his wages, but he did not make the team and re-signed for Mansfield Town on a non-contract basis as reserve team coach and occasional player. In 1988 he moved into non-league football with Worksop Town, and later coached in South Africa.
Whatmore burst onto the Bolton scene in a blaze of glory when scoring twice on his debut in an away game against Swansea at the Vetch Field. These two strikes in Wales where to be the first of over 120 goals for the club in three seperate spells.
Full Name: Neil Whatmore
Born: 17th May 1955, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, England
Position: Forward
Nationality: English
Club Honours: Division 2 1978
Signed From (1st spell): Apprentice, May 1973
Sold To (1st spell): Birmingham City, August 1981, £340,000
Signed From (2nd spell): Birmingham City, December 1982, Loan
Signed From (3rd spell): Oxford United, March 1984, Loan
Former Clubs: Bolton Wanderers, Birmingham City, Bolton Wanderers (loan), Oxford United, Bolton Wanderers (loan), Burnley, Mansfield Town, Bolton Wanderers, Mansfield Town, Worksop Town
Coaching Career: Mansfield Town (Reserve Team Coach)
Bolton Debut (1st spell): 4th April 1973 versus Swansea City (A), Division 3
First Goal (1st spell): 4th April 1973 versus Swansea City (A), Division 3
Bolton Debut (2nd spell): 4th December 1982 versus Cambridge United (A), Division 2
First Goal (2nd spell): 11th December 1982 versus Charlton Athletic (H), Division 2
Bolton Debut (3rd spell): 17th March 1984 versus Exeter City (H), Division 3
First Goal (3rd spell): 24th March 1984 versus Newport County (A), Division 3
Notes: Had a fourth spell with the club in 1987 which was funded by a supporter but never made it past the reserves.
Whatmore was born in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire. He made his debut for Bolton in what was then the Football League Third Division as an amateur, after coming through the club's youth system. He scored twice in this game, an away game at Swansea City. Bolton secured the divisional title that year and he scored thirty one goals four years later in promotion to the First Division. On promotion to the top division, Bolton's first choice forward line became Alan Gowling and Frank Worthington and Whatmore played in midfield for a season before being pushed forward again, scoring eighteen goals although Bolton were relegated.
Birmingham City signed him for £350,000 to reunite him with Worthington, but the pair failed to gel, and Whatmore played only rarely. When Ron Saunders took over as manager, both players fell from favour, but Whatmore stayed another year, some of which he spent on loan at Oxford United and for three months at Bolton, before being sold to Oxford United. The emergence of John Aldridge meant Whatmore was surplus to requirements after a season and, after a second loan spell at Bolton, he joined Burnley in a part-exchange deal with Billy Hamilton before moving on to Mansfield Town a few months later. When he was released after two-and-a-half years he spent his fourth and final spell at Burnden Park, an anonymous fan coming up with his wages, but he did not make the team and re-signed for Mansfield Town on a non-contract basis as reserve team coach and occasional player. In 1988 he moved into non-league football with Worksop Town, and later coached in South Africa.
David Reeves
Hardworking striker who came to the Wanderers from Sheffield Wednesday in the summer of 1989. Reeves formed an instant and successful partnership with Tony Philliskirk which was to last for four seasons. The likeable Scouser continues to score goals at non-league level to this day.
Full Name: David Edward Reeves
Born: 19th November 1967, Heswall, Merseyside, England
Position: Forward
Nationality: English
Club Honours: Division 3 1995
Signed From: Sheffield Wednesday, August 1989, £80,000
Sold To: Notts County, March 1993, £80,000
Former Clubs: Heswall, Sheffield Wednesday, Scunthorpe United (loan), Burnley (loan), Bolton Wanderers, Notts County, Carlisle United, Preston North End, Chesterfield, Oldham Athletic, Chesterfield, Ards, Scarborough, Gainsborough Trinity, Buxton, Alfreton Town, Sutton Town
Coaching Career: Alfreton Town (Assistant Manager)
Bolton Debut: 19th August 1989 versus Cardiff City (A), Division 3
First Goal: 29th August 1989 versus Rochdale (H), League Cup 1st round, 2nd leg
Reeves was drafted into the first team squad at Sheffield Wednesday in 1986 aged 19. He played just under 20 first team games for The Owls while at the club between 1986 and 1989 and while at Hillsborough he spent time on loan with Scunthorpe United.
He transferred to non-league side Heswell, where he stayed for one season, while there he re-joined Scunthorpe on loan and also spent time at Turf Moor with Burnley before joining Bolton Wanderers in 1989 for £80,000. Reeves stayed at Burnden Park until 1993 when he moved briefly to Notts County before a move to Carlisle United. Reeves went on to play for Preston North End, Chesterfield, Oldham Athletic and Scarborough before ending his career playing for Gainsborough Trinity.
Notes: Twin brother of Alan Reeves who played for Rochdale, Wimbledon and Swindon Town amongst others
Hardworking striker who came to the Wanderers from Sheffield Wednesday in the summer of 1989. Reeves formed an instant and successful partnership with Tony Philliskirk which was to last for four seasons. The likeable Scouser continues to score goals at non-league level to this day.
Full Name: David Edward Reeves
Born: 19th November 1967, Heswall, Merseyside, England
Position: Forward
Nationality: English
Club Honours: Division 3 1995
Signed From: Sheffield Wednesday, August 1989, £80,000
Sold To: Notts County, March 1993, £80,000
Former Clubs: Heswall, Sheffield Wednesday, Scunthorpe United (loan), Burnley (loan), Bolton Wanderers, Notts County, Carlisle United, Preston North End, Chesterfield, Oldham Athletic, Chesterfield, Ards, Scarborough, Gainsborough Trinity, Buxton, Alfreton Town, Sutton Town
Coaching Career: Alfreton Town (Assistant Manager)
Bolton Debut: 19th August 1989 versus Cardiff City (A), Division 3
First Goal: 29th August 1989 versus Rochdale (H), League Cup 1st round, 2nd leg
Reeves was drafted into the first team squad at Sheffield Wednesday in 1986 aged 19. He played just under 20 first team games for The Owls while at the club between 1986 and 1989 and while at Hillsborough he spent time on loan with Scunthorpe United.
He transferred to non-league side Heswell, where he stayed for one season, while there he re-joined Scunthorpe on loan and also spent time at Turf Moor with Burnley before joining Bolton Wanderers in 1989 for £80,000. Reeves stayed at Burnden Park until 1993 when he moved briefly to Notts County before a move to Carlisle United. Reeves went on to play for Preston North End, Chesterfield, Oldham Athletic and Scarborough before ending his career playing for Gainsborough Trinity.
Notes: Twin brother of Alan Reeves who played for Rochdale, Wimbledon and Swindon Town amongst others
Tony Philliskirk
Wanderers favourite of the late 1980's and early 1990's who was an expert from dead ball situations. Philliskirk formed an excellent partnership with David Reeves during his time at Bolton but his half century of league goals for the club could never bring about promotion from the Third Division.
Full Name: Anthony Philliskirk
Born: 10th February 1965, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, England
Position: Forward
Nationality: English
International Honours: Schoolboy level
Signed From: Preston North End, June 1989, £50,000
Sold To: Peterborough United, October 1992, £85,000
Former Clubs: Sheffield United, Rotherham United (loan), Oldham Athletic, Preston North End, Bolton Wanderers, Peterborough United, Burnley, Carlisle United (loan), Cardiff City, Macclesfield Town (loan), Oldham Athletic
Coaching Career: Oldham Athletic (First Team Coach)
Bolton Debut: 19th August 1989 versus Cardiff City (A), Division 3
First Goal: 19th August 1989 versus Cardiff City (A), Division 3
Philliskirk turned professional at the age of 18, when he joined Sheffield United. He made his debut for the Blades in a pre-season friendly against Mansfield Town at Field Mill on 17 August 1983. He had to wait until 18 October 1983, before making his league debut for Sheffield United against Brentford at Griffin Park.
He scored his first goal for the club two weeks later at Plymouth Argyle. He scored eight goals in his first season with Sheffield United. Most of his time at Bramall Lane was spent as a partner of striker Keith Edwards.
He was part of the Sheffield United side which won promotion from the Third Division in season 1983-84. In total he made 80 league appearances (18 as a subsititute) for Sheffield United scoring 20 goals.[1]
After five years at Bramall Lane, he had brief spells with Oldham Athletic and Preston North End before joining Bolton Wanderers in the June 1989 for a fee of £50,000. He made his debut for Bolton on 19 August 1989 in a Third Division match against Cardiff City at Ninian Park, and he soon formed an effective striking partnership with David Reeves.
Philliskirk moved on to Peterborough United in October 1992, and then had spells with Burnley, Cardiff City, Halifax Town and Macclesfield Town before hanging up his boots in 1998.
Notes: Both himself and Reeves earned the nickname the Bros brothers due to their likeness of the 1980's group
Philliskirk later went into coaching with Oldham Athletic
Once trained to become a Football League referee
His son Danny Philliskirk is also a footballer
Wanderers favourite of the late 1980's and early 1990's who was an expert from dead ball situations. Philliskirk formed an excellent partnership with David Reeves during his time at Bolton but his half century of league goals for the club could never bring about promotion from the Third Division.
Full Name: Anthony Philliskirk
Born: 10th February 1965, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, England
Position: Forward
Nationality: English
International Honours: Schoolboy level
Signed From: Preston North End, June 1989, £50,000
Sold To: Peterborough United, October 1992, £85,000
Former Clubs: Sheffield United, Rotherham United (loan), Oldham Athletic, Preston North End, Bolton Wanderers, Peterborough United, Burnley, Carlisle United (loan), Cardiff City, Macclesfield Town (loan), Oldham Athletic
Coaching Career: Oldham Athletic (First Team Coach)
Bolton Debut: 19th August 1989 versus Cardiff City (A), Division 3
First Goal: 19th August 1989 versus Cardiff City (A), Division 3
Philliskirk turned professional at the age of 18, when he joined Sheffield United. He made his debut for the Blades in a pre-season friendly against Mansfield Town at Field Mill on 17 August 1983. He had to wait until 18 October 1983, before making his league debut for Sheffield United against Brentford at Griffin Park.
He scored his first goal for the club two weeks later at Plymouth Argyle. He scored eight goals in his first season with Sheffield United. Most of his time at Bramall Lane was spent as a partner of striker Keith Edwards.
He was part of the Sheffield United side which won promotion from the Third Division in season 1983-84. In total he made 80 league appearances (18 as a subsititute) for Sheffield United scoring 20 goals.[1]
After five years at Bramall Lane, he had brief spells with Oldham Athletic and Preston North End before joining Bolton Wanderers in the June 1989 for a fee of £50,000. He made his debut for Bolton on 19 August 1989 in a Third Division match against Cardiff City at Ninian Park, and he soon formed an effective striking partnership with David Reeves.
Philliskirk moved on to Peterborough United in October 1992, and then had spells with Burnley, Cardiff City, Halifax Town and Macclesfield Town before hanging up his boots in 1998.
Notes: Both himself and Reeves earned the nickname the Bros brothers due to their likeness of the 1980's group
Philliskirk later went into coaching with Oldham Athletic
Once trained to become a Football League referee
His son Danny Philliskirk is also a footballer
George Oghani
Oghani became the first black player to represent Bolton Wanderers when appearing against Wimbledon in 1984. His first full season brought about twenty one goals in all competitions but he struggled to match that in the seasons that followed.
Full Name: George William Oghani
Born: 2nd September 1960, Manchester, England
Position: Forward
Nationality: English
Signed From: Hyde United, October 1983
Sold To: Burnley, June 1987
Former Clubs: Bury, Hyde United, Bolton Wanderers, Wrexham (loan), Burnley, Stockport County, Hereford United, Scarborough, Evagoras (Cyprus), Carlisle United, Northwich Victoria, Guiseley
Bolton Debut: 14th January 1984 versus Wimbledon (A), Division 3
First Goal: 4th September 1984 versus Oldham Athletic (A), League Cup 1st round, 2nd leg
Notes: His name appears in the lyrics of the Chumbawumba song "A lament to the best"
His time at Burnley was not without controversy and he will forever be linked with ironing boards after been involved in an incident in a store with a security guard. The club backed him on that one but when he was involved in a training ground incident in April of his second season he never played for the club again.
Oghani became the first black player to represent Bolton Wanderers when appearing against Wimbledon in 1984. His first full season brought about twenty one goals in all competitions but he struggled to match that in the seasons that followed.
Full Name: George William Oghani
Born: 2nd September 1960, Manchester, England
Position: Forward
Nationality: English
Signed From: Hyde United, October 1983
Sold To: Burnley, June 1987
Former Clubs: Bury, Hyde United, Bolton Wanderers, Wrexham (loan), Burnley, Stockport County, Hereford United, Scarborough, Evagoras (Cyprus), Carlisle United, Northwich Victoria, Guiseley
Bolton Debut: 14th January 1984 versus Wimbledon (A), Division 3
First Goal: 4th September 1984 versus Oldham Athletic (A), League Cup 1st round, 2nd leg
Notes: His name appears in the lyrics of the Chumbawumba song "A lament to the best"
His time at Burnley was not without controversy and he will forever be linked with ironing boards after been involved in an incident in a store with a security guard. The club backed him on that one but when he was involved in a training ground incident in April of his second season he never played for the club again.
Paul Fletcher
Homegrown forward who made a goalscoring debut for the club as a 17-year old in November 1968. Fletcher had aimed to be playing First Division football but with his hometown club this was never to be. He later went on to become a top flight star at nearby Burnley and is now a successful businessman.
Full Name: Paul John Fletcher
Born: 13th January 1951, Bolton, Lancashire, England
Position: Forward
Nationality: English
International Honours: U23 level
Signed From: Apprentice, November 1968
Sold To: Burnley, March 1971,
Former Clubs: Bolton Wanderers, Burnley, Blackpool
Bolton Debut: 2nd November 1968 versus Crystal Palace (A), Division 2
First Goal: 2nd November 1968 versus Crystal Palace (A), Division 2
Notes: Awarded the MBE in 2007 after successfully overseeing new stadium constructions/redevelopments at Huddersfield Town, Bolton Wanderers, Wembley and Coventry City.
Author: Sluffy
Homegrown forward who made a goalscoring debut for the club as a 17-year old in November 1968. Fletcher had aimed to be playing First Division football but with his hometown club this was never to be. He later went on to become a top flight star at nearby Burnley and is now a successful businessman.
Full Name: Paul John Fletcher
Born: 13th January 1951, Bolton, Lancashire, England
Position: Forward
Nationality: English
International Honours: U23 level
Signed From: Apprentice, November 1968
Sold To: Burnley, March 1971,
Former Clubs: Bolton Wanderers, Burnley, Blackpool
Bolton Debut: 2nd November 1968 versus Crystal Palace (A), Division 2
First Goal: 2nd November 1968 versus Crystal Palace (A), Division 2
Notes: Awarded the MBE in 2007 after successfully overseeing new stadium constructions/redevelopments at Huddersfield Town, Bolton Wanderers, Wembley and Coventry City.
Author: Sluffy
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