STAYING in the Premiership means big business. Not just for Bolton Wanderers, but for the town as a whole.

Pubs, restaurants and shops at Middlebrook and the rest of the town thrives when the club is flying high. But what would it mean if Bolton could not avoid the drop?

Pubs are likely to lose thousands of drinkers on match days, restaurants will lose bookings and the number of people visiting the Middlebrook complex will fall dramatically.

Staying up is expected to guarantee at least £20 million for the town during the next season.

Andrew Dickson, President of Bolton and Bury Chamber of Trade, said: "Bolton Wanderers is at the very centre of business life in the town. The team's fortunes affect every aspect of life in Bolton, including business. You can tell when the team has played well or badly by the atmosphere in every pub, club, shop, office and factory.

"Bolton's elite ranking as a Premiership team certainly helps put the town on the national and international map. The club's phenomenal success over recent years has boosted local morale and confidence, which has a very powerful impact on the local workforce.

He added: " Local business is backing the Wanderersyou all the way!"