WANDERERS fans have given a mixed reaction to the club's new all white strip.

The Whites' decision to adopt a new look has sparked a huge response with the Bolton Evening News inundated with letters and e-mails.

The radical step of switching from navy blue to white shorts and taking away almost all the navy trim from the shirt and socks has become the big talking point among supporters.

Supporter Terry McCann of Astley Bridge said: "There was no consultation with Bolton fans, just a desire to throw tradition out of the window. It will be ditched again within a season or two."

West Stand season ticket holder Mark Swift added: "We're not Leeds United or Real Madrid, we're Bolton Wanderers and we play in blue and white.

"Our club colours is our birthright. Changing them is ridiculous and an insult to our heritage."

But Simon Thornley, aged 19, countered: "The kit looks better than the old one. What's wrong with a change once in a while?"

And Stanley Butterworth, of Chorley New Road, Bolton, agreed: "The fans who don't like it now will soon take it to their hearts once Wanderers have won a few games in it. I like it."

Tony Doyle of Chorley New Road, Lostock, takes the opposite view. "The club's colours should be left intact," he says. "There are some facets of football clubs which are deeply cultural and best left alone."

Gary Parkinson complained: "Colours are designed to be nailed to the mast and our colours are white and blue which have been with the club through its greatest and worst moments."

On a positive note, North Stand season ticket holder Samantha Allen said: "I'll be buying the kit as soon as I can because it's great. Old fans will moan about it but they are living in the past."

Geoff Smith, of Astley Bridge, adds: "The colour of a pair of shorts is irrelevant. What matters is winning games and I don't care what colours the club wear as long as they stay up."

But Dave Wolfendale of Wellington Street, Farnworth, added: "We were relegated last time we wore the all white kit. I hope this is not the curse that sends us down again."

Phil Keeling of Worsley added: "Navy and white it has been and should always be."

Conversely Phil Kavanagh said: "It's like a new club these days and I've got no problem with having a great looking new kit to go with it. All white is definitely better than the old one."