NAT Lofthouse spoke for thousands of Wanderers supporters today when he paid tribute to John McGinlay, who has been forced to quit football because of injury. "The game will miss him, I'll miss him and thousands and thousands of his fans here in Bolton and elsewhere will be sorry to hear that he's had to finish," the legendary Lion of Vienna said of his modern day counterpart with whom he featured on a recent Wanderers Lottery card "The Legends".

McGinlay, who scored 118 goals in 245 appearances in his six years with Wanderers, acquired legendary status himself as he helped the club win three promotions. Still a Bolton resident and a man of the people, he lost none of his incredible popularity even after his transfer to Bradford City in October 1997.

He moved to Oldham Athletic earlier this season after being released by the Yorkshire club but, after a series of specialist reports on his damaged Achilles, bowed to the inevitable yesterday at the age of 34. "I know how John will be feeling at the moment," said Nat, who was forced to call a premature halt to his own career because of injury.

"It's hard. There are no ifs and buts about it. When you love the game and you're forced to pack in, it feels like the end of the world but I'm sure something will turn up for John.

"I was always a big fan of his. He was a good player, a great centre-forward and a big favourite with the crowd. Above all, he was a great team man and that made him a great asset to BWFC. "He loved the club and I know it was a wrench for him when he left."

Announcing the end of his playing career, which began in the humble surroundings of the Highland League and reached its pinnacle with 14 Scotland caps - all gained during his Bolton days - McGinlay said: "I haven't enjoyed my football since the day I left Bolton and that's no disrespect to the other clubs.

"I left my heart there but at least I have my memories."

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