From the Evening News, October 9, 1976 - THE rising cost of soccer in Bolton will force teams to pack up before the end of the season.

The warning came today from Mr John Johnston, chairman of the town's Sunday League. He said he had been told before the beginning of the season that the rent of a top pitch would be £45 a season. Now he has been informed that the cost would be £55, and "there will be at lease a dozen sides who won't be able to survive because of the increase."