SPICY griddled chicken and new potatoes might be a far cry from the traditional fish and chips enjoyed in Nat Lofthouse's era -- but high-quality healthy food is proving to be the ideal recipe for Bolton Wanderers.
Now the family catering business behind the Wanderers' diet has landed an award for its healthy food.
K & B Catering, run by Keith and Bre Nash, has been cooking the meals which help players refuel after workouts at the club's training ground in Euxton, near Chorley, for four years.
The importance of a proper diet to footballers is widely recognised in today's game.
But Keith and Bre insist that having healthy meals -- low in fat, sugar and salt with lots of fruit, vegetables and starch -- does not mean packing away your tastebuds.
And if the appetites of the players are anything to go by, they are on to a winning formula.
The couple, who also employ son Kevin and two other staff, say wonders can be achieved by simply using the right ingredients, such as brown bread, brown sugar and brown rice instead of their white equivalents.
Less healthy sounding fare, like fried chicken and fried eggs, can be cooked in a non-stick pan with a minimum of olive oil.
And there are certainly no complaints from manager Sam Allardyce, whose training ground meal is minestrone soup followed by spaghetti bolognaise.
He said: "We always have to look at finance for anything we are involved in and the justification for our financing this is the results this club has achieved on the pitch in the last few years."
For Keith, a Wanderers fan, catering for the players and staff is a dream job.
He said: "We don't class it as work.
"We enjoy what we're doing. It's like one big family here. It's great when we go to a match because we know everyone."
The caterers were presented with a Hearbeat Award by the Mayor of Chorley, Cllr Raymond Parr, yesterday.
The award is a national accolade for caterers who provide the healthiest environment and food choices.
ON THE MENU - yesterday's lunchtime choices at the Wanderers training ground
Tomato, vegetable and onion soup
Fruity chicken curry
Spicy griddled chicken
Plain griddled chicken
with a choice of:
Rice, Pasta
New potatoes
Jacket potatoes
Salad
Fresh Fruit:
Muller Light Yoghurts
Muller Rice
Tea and coffee
Fresh orange juice
Fresh apple juice
Milk, water
Wholemeal pitta breads and baps
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