DREAMS to turn the Reebok Stadium into a premier rock and pop venue appear to have been shattered -- because of the recent Robbie Williams concerts in Manchester.

The hit singer's successful gigs at Lancashire Cricket Club's Old Trafford ground in July have turned the heads of music promoters who are keen to hold future concerts there.

Bosses at the Reebok are now struggling to attract big name acts despite the success of the Oasis concerts 18 months ago which packed the futuristic stadium over two nights.

Since then the ground has been unable to attract a single gig and there are no proposals for a concert next summer either.

A spokesman for SJM Promotions which organised the Oasis concerts -- as well as the Robbie gigs -- said the Reebok Stadium suffered from its location.

She said: "There is nothing inherently wrong with the Bolton ground and the Oasis concerts were highly enjoyable.

"But there are many stadiums in that part of the country.

"Old Trafford is becoming a major venue now because the Robbie concerts were so successful and so well received.

"I think many people are now thinking of it as Greater Manchester's number one outdoor stadium."

Last year's massive Bon Jovi gigs -- which were tipped to come to Bolton -- went to Huddersfield's McAlpine Stadium instead.

SJM, the country's largest promotions company, has recently signed a deal with Old Trafford cricket ground to become its booking agent.

Gareth Moores, commercial director at Bolton Wanderers, said: "We will always lose out to huge venues like Old Trafford which have capacities of around 45,000 to 60,000.

"The Reebok holds 32,000 so in that sense is not in direct competition.

"In terms of facilities I believe our stadium is ready made for concerts and many people will agree with that.

"Our problem is that we only have a seven-week window in the close season and we have to catch bands which tour at that particular time.

"Only two were available last summer -- Bon Jovi was one -- but if any bands are touring the North-west and want a capacity of around 32,000 then we will endeavour to secure them."

The situation is a far cry from July 2000 when Bolton was home to two huge music events: Oasis and Radio One's One Big Sunday at Moss Bank Park which attracted a staggering 100,000 people.

The Reebok Stadium is the third largest football ground in the county after Manchester United's Old Trafford (capacity 69,000) and Manchester City's Maine Road stadiums (40,000).

The Commonwealth Games stadium will hold 48,000 when it is converted into City's new home but it is Old Trafford Cricket Club which is attracting major attention with its large open space. Central Manchester's MEN Arena, however, continues to be the number one indoor venue.

The SJM spokesman said: "The stadium concerts are still in vogue even though many artists have recently been playing smaller arenas.

"It's good there are so many varied venues in the area. People in Greater Manchester are well catered for."