IT was of no consequence to Nicky Southall at the time but, when he clipped in the free-kick that earned Gillingham a point at the Reebok in March, he did serious damage to Wanderers' promotion prospects.

They would eventually miss out on an automatic place by four points so no direct blame can be attached to the Gills' midfielder. Just as well, considering he was to become Sam Allardyce's first summer signing. Nevertheless, it turned out to be a salutary event in Southall's career. He ultimately decided he was joining Wanderers, whatever their fate, and landed lucky when they reached the Premiership via the play-offs.

"I'd decided I was coming to Bolton, come what may," he explains, "whether they were in the First Division or the Premiership.

"But I remember that game vividly. I did quite well and had good vibes about the place.

"It's a fantastic stadium and I recall Bolton had just relaid their pitch.

"I had other options but the facilities here swung it."

The 29-year-old former Hartlepool and Grimsby regular isn't daunted as he looks ahead to his first experience of top flight football and he certainly does not see himself as being merely a squad player.

"I'd be telling lies if I wasn't looking at being involved against Leicester," he says, looking ahead to the opening fixture at Filbert Street.

"I've been a regular most of my career and the only way to be a regular is to perform on the pitch, week in and week out."

Fortunately, he has the versatility to give Allardyce a range of options as he looks to accommodate him in midfield and isn't fussy where he is used.

"Hopefully I can provide the crosses for Dean Holdsworth and Michael Ricketts to get onto to.

"But I'll do whatever the manager wants me to. I've got no airs or graces. I'll play anywhere, right midfield, wide on the right or in the centre of a midfield three."

Middlesbrough-born but Gillingham-based for the last four years, life has suddenly become far more convenient for Southall, his wife Clare and daughters Hannah and Elise.

"It's a new start for me as well as for my family," he explains.

"We've bought a house in Chorley, which is close to the training ground. Coming back to the North was a big pull. Gillingham was a fantastic little club with fabulous people. I was gutted to leave but being based in Kent it was a five hour drive home.

"Now it's far more convenient and exciting."