DECADES of debate will be settled on Sunday night when Bolton Wanderers will pay tribute to the 50 greatest players ever to have worn the famous white shirt ... or will they?

For the first time, an 'official' ranking list is being drawn up, recognising the achievements - the dedication and loyalty of individuals as well as the successes they enjoyed - of the men who have earned the right to be known as legends.

How the rows have raged between generations of Whites fans over the years:

*Was John McGinlay a better striker or a bigger favourite than Nat Lofthouse, even though neither could match Joe Smith's scoring record from the Roaring Twenties?

*How would today's favourite, Jay Jay Okocha, compare with a Frank Worthington or a Freddie Hill, or a Ray Westwood for that matter?

*Gudni Bergsson v Paul Jones - discuss!

*Jussi Jaaskelainen or Eddie Hopkinson for best goalkeeper? Yes, but what about Dick Pym who didn't concede a goal in three FA Cup Finals.

And not forgetting the managers: Charles Foweraker, who masterminded those Wembley triumphs of 1923, 26 and 29 would obviously take some beating, but the £110 team that won the FA Cup in 1958 is testimony to Bill Ridding's contribution, while in modern times Ian Greaves, Bruce Rioch and, latterly, Sam Allardyce have all steered Wanderers back to the top flight.

The Legends Night will serve as a tribute to all those who have played a part in the history of Bolton Wanderers - including the great characters such as Tommy Banks, John Byrom, Peter Reid and Tony Kelly - but specifically, the top 50, including the best goalkeeper, best defender, best midfielder, best striker and, ultimately, the greatest Wanderer of all time.

Many will be there to hear the countdown, in fact there are those who wouldn't miss it for the world.

As McGinlay said before flying back from America to hear how Wanderers fans have voted on the internet in the match programmes and through the Bolton Evening News: 'I am looking forward to seeing all the old boys and of course, seeing how high up the top 50 I am!'

A chance to finally bring an end to those 'Who's the best?' rows? Don't you believe it.

Official or not, a list like this is guaranteed to spark even more.