Bolton Wanderers rules my life (and I'm not even interested in football) says Margaret Battersby

NICK Hornby was right. The true football fan is permanently pessimistic, having a total inability to savour, even for a moment, any small success.

Despite having little interest in football - and no, I don't want off-side explained again! - the success or otherwise of the mighty Bolton Wanderers rules my life.

The even tenor of marital bliss is maintained not by increases in the housekeeping allowance or even the buying of flowers, but by regular wins by the Super Whites.

I regard the opening day of the soccer season as a sunny Saturday in August suitable for lounging in the garden with a good book.

My husband regards it as the first step in a lengthy campaign, which is probably doomed to failure before a ball has been kicked. Christmas is to me a season of goodwill and giving; to him an important series of fixtures that can make or break the season.

This season's opening 5-0 defeat of Leicester City, followed by a run at the top of the Premiership and defeat of arch-rivals Manchester United seemed to me to auger well for the season.

Not so. It was painstakingly explained to me on several occasions (not unlike a cracked record) that this was merely a blip and normal service would be resumed almost at once.

For a time, this appeared to be the case - although I have to say that grinding out a series of draws seemed better than outright defeat. However, pessimism reached its peak when Manchester United played Ipswich. I have never heard such language in my life.

Fortunately, all was well and Bolton are safe - congratulations lads. I think this feat should be celebrated and enjoyed, but already the prediction is relegation next year. What is it with football fans?