Burnden Aces

Garry Jones Has Cancer, Bolton Legends Display Support

• March 14, 2016 | By Chris Mann
• Short URL: http://b-ac.es/b4845

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• Alan Waldron, Dean Holdsworth, Ian Seddon, John Byrom, John Thomas, Mike Walsh, Neil Whatmore, Paul Hallows, Paul Jones, Peter Nicholson, Ralph Wright, Roy Greaves, Sam Allardyce, Syd Farrimond, Warwick Rimmer
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Bolton legends reunited on Saturday, taking to the Macron Stadium pitch at half-time in support of former player Garry Jones, who is suffering from cancer.

Jones, who had to be wheeled onto the playing surface by his son, Tom, was presented with a £500 cheque, which will be donated to The Christie Hospital, and a signed shirt by members of the Bolton Wanderers Former Players Association.

The 65-year-old made 247 appearances for Wanderers between 1968 and 1975, scoring 55 goals, but none more famous than those hit in a hat-trick against Manchester City in October 1971, when Bolton, then of the third tier, ran out 3-0 winners over the nation's favourites for the Division One title in a League Cup tie at Burnden Park.

Seven members of the team from that night were present at the weekend, while many other teammates from throughout his career were also in attendance to display their support.

Peter Nicholson, Neil Whatmore, John Thomas, Ian Seddon, Paul Hallows, Ralph Wright, Alan Waldron, Roy Greaves, Paul Jones, Mike Walsh, John Byrom, Warwick Rimmer, Syd Farrimond and Sam Allardyce all took to the field to assist with the matchday Golden Gamble draw, where they were joined by new Wanderers owner Dean Holdsworth.

The presence of Holdsworth and Allardyce was met favourably by supporters in the stands and, after initial reluctance, both responded in return to milk the applause.

Speaking to The Bolton News, Andrew Dean, promotions manager at Macron Stadium, said: "It was the plan for Dean to come on to the pitch before the game to say thanks to the supporters.

"Once he knew that we had organised this reunion at the last minute he said right away 'this should be Garry's day' and decided to walk on with the group in support.

"It was the same with Big Sam. He knew there would be a lot of attention but this was about supporting Garry and for me that sums up what Bolton Wanderers is all about."

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