ONE of Bolton Wanderers' oldest fans can rattle off the club's 1923 FA Cup winning team -- but admits he struggles when it comes to today's team.

But yesterday, John Mellor, from Horwich, became fully acquainted with the club's current set up.

The great-grandfather, who is 96 next week, was invited to a surprise tour around the back rooms and ground of the Reebok Stadium.

Mr Mellor, a lifelong Superwhites' fan, remembers going to the famous 1923 Wembley final and attending one of Bolton Wanderers' first matches with his father.

He is one of the oldest surviving fans and to commemorate his birthday, Mr Mellor's son, Gordon wrote to Wanderers to ask for an escorted tour.

Mr Mellor said: "It was a lovely surprise and I enjoyed every minute of it.

"I have been around the Reebok before with my son, but obviously did not get to see everything.

"I remember going to watch Bolton Wanderers in what was one of their very first matches against a Scottish team and have been a fan ever since.

"In those days, I knew the players almost as friends. I can recall every name of that 1923 team, but struggle over today's side.

"These days players don't seem to stick around for all that long.

"I used to go to the matches every week, but have not been able to for the past few years.

"I still follow the team and will remain a fan for the rest of my days.

"The highlight of my time as Wanderers' fan has to be the 1923 final. I remember all the key moments very clearly."