"HE wants to be a what?" is a question all too familiar to proud dad and Wanderers fan David Watkinson.

For his soccer mad son Charles has a particular longing to become one of those all-powerful men in black - a referee.

And Charles, aged nine may have made football history when he was invited to join his adopted team of Crawley Town on to the pitch as the referee's mascot.

Dad David, aged 42, moved to Sussex from his Breightmet home 10 years ago but remains an ardent Wanderers fan.

Charles' grandad John Watkinson, aged 76, who lives in Tonge Fold still regularly attends Bolton's home games and keeps his son and grandson aware of the Super Whites' progress.

Young Charles is also a keen Wanderers fan and names goal-ace Michael Ricketts as his favourite player.

But last week he beamed with pride when he took to the field to help kick-off Crawley's clash with Weymouth at their home ground Broadfield Stadium.

The event was organised by Crawley's Football in the Community team and Charles joined match ref John Bottomer on the centre line and played a pivotal role even tossing the coin at the start of the match.

Charles also plays the beautiful game in his home town of Horsham for junior side the Forest Flyers.

Dad David said: "Charles loves playing football but even at the age of nine he loves refereeing a lot more.

"He has studied referees and knows all their moves and it has also helped to boost his confidence."

"It's not unusual for a team to have a mascot to lead them out on to the field but we believe it could well be the first time that a referee has ever been accompanied by a mascot."

He added: "When we were arranging the day everyone I spoke to including players and team officials all said 'he wants to be a what?' when I told them. They must have thought it quite unusual for such a young lad to have his sights set on becoming a ref."

David and Charles returned to Bolton recently to watch Wanderers beat Liverpool.

"We try to get back to the town about four times a year and we try and fit in a visit to the Wanderers when we do," said David. "And what a game to come home to! Charles was overjoyed to see them doing so well against such a good team."