JACK Hurst - one of the famous Wartime Wanderers - has died at the age of 85.

Originally a centre-half when he joined the Burnden Park ranks from his local club, Lever Bridge, he made his League debut as stand-in for the injured Jack Atkinson in October 1934.

Injury and the fact that he was understudy to the formidable Atkinson restricted his first team appearances before the outbreak of war, which limited his appearances even more.

As a member of the Territorial Army, Hurst joined up with Wanderers' captain Harry Goslin and the rest of his team-mates.

When he returned from the conflict, he established himself as a right half and was a member of the Bolton side that reached the FA Cup semi-final of 1945-46, just weeks after playing in the sixth round tie against Stoke - the day of the Burnden Disaster.

After making 73 senior appearances for Wanderers he joined Oldham Atheltic and later Chelmsford City in the non-league ranks.

He died after a battle with cancer in Middlesex, where his funeral will be held next Tuesday.