A PILOT scheme to be launched in December will introduce "smartcard" technology to Bolton Wanderers fans.

The club and its partner -- a Scottish company called TeamCard -- say it is a world first which is set to revolutionise the commercial side of football.

The Bolton Wanderers TeamCard is described as a "fast, secure, modern ticketing solution replacing the existing season ticket holder booklets."

It will also act as a loyalty card enabling fans to purchase their tickets, merchandise, food and drink etc.

Users will earn "SuperWhites" points which can be redeemed for a variety of Wanderers products and services.

The card, which is said to be highly secure and incapable of being forged, is the same size and thickness as a standard credit card but in place of the magnetic stripe there are a series of gold contacts to an embedded silicon chip.

It will be issued initially to 1,500 season ticket holders in the East Stand of the Reebok Stadium.

They will be given the opportunity over a two-month period to test the new technology and tell the club what they think.

If the pilot scheme is successful the technology will be introduced throughout the stadium and all 2001/2002 season ticket holders will get one.

The multifunctional card has the capability to be used for up to 16 different purposes including ticketing, electronic cash, lotteries, loyalty and other promotional opportunities.

Local businesses will be invited to participate in the Bolton Wanderers TeamCard initiative by becoming co-branding partners and sharing in the benefits.

Card holders will have the opportunity to earn additional SuperWhites points when they make purchases at co-branding partner outlets.

Wanderers Commercial Director Gareth Moores said: "We are absolutely delighted to be working with TeamCard and to be the first football club in the world to pilot this multifunctional Smartcard technology.

"Here at the Reebok, with our 21st Century Stadium and state of the art facilities it seemed appropriate for us to be at the forefront of technological developments in the commercial football arena.

He continued: "We have been looking for ways to add value for our fans and to reward them for their loyalty.

"This technology will give us and our fans a simple, easy to use solution which will revolutionise our ticketing system and provide us with valuable information about our fans which we can then respond to."

TeamCard has been developing the system for sports stadia over the past three years.

Managing Director Randal McLister said: "Today's announcement means that other teams cannot fail to take notice of TeamCard development with Bolton Wanderers Football Club.

"As football clubs have become increasingly more commercial they need to implement new technology to move with the times, maximise their income and create new value benefits for their fans.

"We are pleased to be working with the club on the UK's first pilot scheme as they have shown a true commitment to the importance of fan loyalty and the development of strong customer relations."