HE came from Germany, England's arch footballing rival.

But Soeren Thuemler's one ambition was to see Bolton reach the FA Cup Final so he could realise his dream of going to Wembley for the first time - and see his adopted club triumph.

Soeren, aged 29, and a German teacher at Bolton School, has been a Wanderers fan since he set foot in the town last August on a one-year teaching placement. In his short stay in the town, he has already been a regular at the Reebok, cheering on the Mighty Whites.

And after sticking with the club through its up and down season, he dearly wanted to see Bolton at Wembley in the semi-final.

But he had to wave some of his friends goodbye at Manchester Airport instead. That meant the Final was imperative.

He said: "Bolton were the better team throughout the match and you would not have known they were not a Premiership side. "I love English soccer and I have taken Bolton to my heart."

Soeren was watching the semi on a big screen at Cottons, on Bradshawgate in Bolton, eagerly willing his team onto glory to allow him to achieve his dream before he leaves Britain in August - and before the old stadium is pulled down.

He said: "I have watched many English teams in this area like Burnley and Bury and Manchester United. But Bolton are the best. I hope England gets the 2006 World Cup. The atmosphere and the crowds in this country are wonderful."

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