BOLTON Wanderers will join an elite group of European clubs at a high-powered convention on commercialism in football in Rome this weekend.

Commercial director Gareth Moores will join delegates from Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle and Leeds at the special invitation event.

Wanderers' inclusion in the assembly of 36 of Europe's biggest clubs, hosted by Italy's Serie A giants Lazio, is recognition of the pioneering work being done by the commercial team at the Reebok.

Mr Moores explained: "It is because we are seen as having created a blueprint for best practice, especially in the area of stadium building and development and the creation of a broad-based business platform."

Since the move to the Reebok Stadium and the creation of Burnden Leisure plc, Wanderers have diversified, attempting to make full use of their ground and its facilities, which now include the four-star De Vere Whites Hotel, an exhibition hall and sports injury clinic. Sporstwear giants Reebok are to be the flagship tenants of a state-of-the-art office suite. "We are held as an example of how to grow, become successful and compete at a higher level," Mr Moores adds.