WHENEVER Wanderers FA Cup winner Roy Hartle had a bad game, his suffering was very public.

While modern Premiership stars drive their luxury sports cars back to their mansions and hide away after a poor performance, in the 1950s and 60s, Hartle had to catch the number eight bus back to town - with the fans.

"If you hadn't played well, the supporters used to let you know about it," said the former right-back, aged 75.

Fortunately for Hartle though, there were few poor displays among his 499 appearances for the club after signing, aged 15, in 1952.

Fans will be treated to more golden memories from Hartle's 14-year career with the Whites during An Audience with the Soccer Legends at the Reebok Stadium on March 29.

The former captain will be among a dozen legends from across the decades at the dinner event, staged in association with The Bolton News.

While he may have endured the occasional uncomfortable bus journey, Hartle had it easier than fellow full-back Tommy Banks, who cycled from Farnworth to Bolton for training.

And football in general in the 1950s was a world away from today's multi-million pound business.

Unlike the Reebok Stadium, Burnden Park was "six inches of mud from November to February".

"We used to go to Burnden Park to get changed, then walk over to Bromwich Street for a couple of hours training," said Worcestershire-born Hartle, who still lives in Astley Bridge.

"Afterwards, there was a temperance bar over the road where we got a pie and a pint of sarsparilla or root beer. The camaraderie was amazing."

While today's pros plead for rest during the "packed" season, Hartle missed just 20 games in 10 years at a time when playing 47 games a season was not uncommon.

Off the field, he sat on the Professional Footballers' Association committee that fought to scrap the old maximum wage and contract system in 1961.

Hartle's pay rose from £20 to £30 per week. It also meant clubs would lose the ability to tie players in to lengthy contracts and ditch them at will.

But it is Hartle's tale of two cup finals that stick in the memory.

In 1953, having played in every round, he was dropped for what was to become known as the "Matthews Final".

"It was devastating. They never gave me a reason or called me into the office," he said.

Wanderers lost 4-3 to Blackpool.

Five years later, while the nation was behind Manchester United's side which had been ravaged by the Munich air disaster, two Nat Lofthouse goals ensured Wanderers lifted the cup - and Hartle got his medal.

"It was fabulous," said Hartle. "I was so proud of my medal."

l Tickets for the event cost £150, with tables of 10 at £1,350, or £1,800 for a premium table. World Football Exhibitions is offering a discount price of £110 each for readers of The Bolton News. Call 01772 681845 .