THE great grandson of one of the founders of Burnden Park has made an emotional visit to the ground to pay homage to his illustrious ancestor.

For Michael Blair, the Bolton club and his great grandfather JJ Bentley, one of the first secretaries of the Wanderers, were the subject of many a childhood story.

And although Mr Blair, of Berkshire, has always had a strong desire to visit Bolton, he only did so this week when came to attend the National Association of Chimney Sweeps convention held in the town.

During his visit Mr Blair, 62, asked the BEN to help him research his family's notable past and we were able to embellish the stories his grandmother had told him as a child.

And with the BEN's help he was able to discover the important role his great grandfather John James Bentley had played in the early days of the Trotters - and in the national Football League.

Mr Blair, who has been a chimney sweep since 1972, said: "My grandmother Annie Bentley, was JJ's daughter.

"I remember as a child she used to talk about her father and about Bolton. I have always wanted to visit but I have never done so until now.

"It all means a lot to me. I feel I have come back to my roots and I feel part of the history of the club."

His great grandfather JJ Bentley, who was known as the "Football MP of the North" for his sense of fair play and honour, was the son of a grocer in High Street, Turton.

The game had been introduced into the village by John Charles and Robert Arthur Kay, the sons of John Kay the squire of Turton, after they learned how to play at Harrow School. They formed Turton Football Club which used Harrow School rules as well as association rules.

At the age of 13, JJ Bentley showed signs of genius for the sport and he started playing for the Turton team. As captain he even led his team to victory over Bolton Wanderers in the FA Cup in 1881.

Mr Blair said: "The roots of football in the area were encouraged by the Kay family of Turton Tower.

"I was to find out that the early days of the 1870s before the rules of football were established another version was played.

"This was the game of Harrow Football brought by the Kay family from Harrow School."

And as Mr Blair, who visited the village and Turton Tower during his Bolton stay found out, his great grandfather went on to become a father figure to the game.

He added: "It has made me feel very nostalgic. Although I am not a great football fan, I have always had an interest in the game.

"It has been fascinating finding out so much about my great grandfather and his involvement in Bolton Wanderers and the Football League.

"I never knew he played such an important role."

In February 1885 JJ, who was also a sports journalist with the Football Field and Athletic Sports, was appointed the secretary of Bolton Wanderers - a position he held until he was pushed out despite keeping the club solvent and building up a good team.

However, he was quickly back controlling the club's affairs when the board realised they needed his drive and vision.

In 1888 Bentley became involved in a project close to his heart - the creation of a Football League and he was invited to attend a preliminary meeting in Manchester to discuss a proposal by William McGregor.

The Football League was founded in April 1888 with Bolton Wanderers and 11 other teams signing up.

William McGregor went on to become president but in 1893 he was succeeded by JJ Bentley, who went on to hold the office for 17 years.

Mr Blair said: "He was a very far sighted man. He seems to have had a vision of what football could become in the future.

"I found out what JJ Bentley had done in his lifetime - a legacy for football with his foresight he saw the impact and the importance the game would have for future generations."

It was Bentley and the rest of the Bolton Wanderers board who could see the potential of the game and the importance of securing a substantial ground for the team.

The club had out grown its Pike Lane base and alternatives were being considered.

In July, 1894, the board met Bolton's Gas Committee and signed up to take over land at Burnden - for 14 years.

And as Mr Blair says: "The rest is history. I'm just glad I came to Bolton before Burnden Park closed for good."

During his visit Mr Blair discovered many interesting facts about JJ Bentley and was amazed to find that in 1908 he had also been made the chairman of Manchester United.

He added: "It's marvellous to think that JJ Bentley made history and that he perhaps helped to make the game what it is today.

"I hope the memory of the past will help inspire future generations in the wonderful new Reebok Stadium."

He believes there is still a lot to learn about JJ Bentley. He knows that his great grandfather died in September, 1918, but he would still like to find out where he is buried.

If anyone has any additional information they can contact Mr Blair on 01734 788780.

He has asked the BEN to pass on his thanks to Bolton Wanderers and Bolton Library for their assistance during his visit.

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