The story behind the picture – Nat Lofthouse visit

An attractive pre-season friendly against Bolton Wanderers was given an extra bit of sparkle by the appearance of Nat Lofthouse, a national treasure throughout the fifties and a Bolton legend.

He had scored 30 goals in his 33 appearances for England and made 452 League appearances (255 goals) for his only club, Bolton.

It was Wanderers first visit to Borough Park who, at the time, were under the management of former Workington favourite, Charlie Wright.

The Reds players were introduced to Nat before kick-off on a pleasant Monday evening on 29 July, 1985.  The photograph shows manager Wayne Harrison introducing Nat to Kevin Rowntree with Martin Gaffney, Graham Emerson and Mark Dobie also in the line-up.

The then Third Division side came closest to breaking the deadlock in a goalless contest, hitting the woodwork in each half, but Reds’ work-rate compensated for a lack of skill and they deserved the draw.

Wanderers included Sam Allardyce and Asa Hartford in their line-up.