AS a Bolton Wanderers supporter, you get to visit many interesting places. I've been to Milan, Mansfield, Hartlepool and Highbury. I have had horizontal hail in my face at Oakwell and sunburn at Selhurst Park.

However, among my favourite all-time Wanderers experiences was the first time I talked to Nat Lofthouse.

It was after one of the marvellous cup runs under Bruce Rioch. Owen Coyle had scored the winner at Everton away with a sublime left-foot strike that curled around Neville Southall and served him right for all his atrocious time-wasting over the two legs.

I felt so happy the next day that, after the two Anadin Extra had kicked in, I went to Burnden Park to buy a souvenir from the ramshackle supporters' shop. On leaving the shop I literally bumped into the great man. I apologised before looking up to see who it was. "Gosh Nat!" I said and then did the standard, 'what the hell do I say now?'

Nat, completely chilled, just asked what I'd bought and whether I saw the game last night.

He was so enthusiastic, gushing praise for the players and supporters. However, although I was in awe of the great man, he was just so down to earth I couldn't help but relax and chat. He had time for my opinions, was gentle in his criticism and totally bias to the club he loves.

I've met him a few times since, at a lunch in Preston with Tom Finney being the most notable. After the corporate boys had left, Nat and Tom were talking on the top table and I asked if they minded if I could listen in to some of the stories. They were both pure gentlemen and we talked for over an hour.

That is it really, the bloke is a legend, a gentleman. He has honour and pride gushing from every pore. If there was every a case for someone being rewarded for a lifetime of devotion it's the phenomenal Nathaniel Lofthouse.

David Mason

(address supplied)