NAT Lofthouse today called on supporters to show their respect for Burnden Park when the curtain falls on Friday night.

The Wanderers president has joined forces with manager Colin Todd in appealing to fans not to invade the pitch at the end of the Charlton game.

Post-match events are planned as well as pre-match entertainment and a commemoration to the 33 people who died in the 1946 Burnden Disaster.

'Super Fan' Joe Lomas, born in 1895 when Burnden was opened, will make a guest appearance at half-time, to make the draw for the players' End of an Era special edition shirts.

And Wanderers officials are determined to prevent the night of emotion and celebration being tarnished in any way.

Nat, who will join club chairman Gordon Hargreaves in a ceremonial lifting of the centre spot in readiness for its transfer to the Reebok Stadium, made a personal plea to the sell-out crowd.

He said: "It will be a sad day when we lock the gates for the last time but let's all show the ground some respect and add one final, glorious memory to all those that have gone before."

His request follows the manager's successful appeal for fans to stay on the terraces and in their seats after the team clinched promotion at the QPR game on April 5.

Their co-operation left the team free to enjoy an unhindered lap of honour and a similar salute is planned after the players receive the Championship trophy and their medals 10 minutes after the final whistle - the last act at the famous old stadium which has staged 102 years of league football.

Wanderers have published a special edition souvenir programme to commemorate the historic last match. It is priced £5 and will be available from sellers on the main Burnden car park and at various points around the ground. Timetable of events:

6.30 Gates open

6.45 Marching band

7.00 The Burnden Disaster Commemorated

7.15 Parade of former Wanderers' stars

7.20 Community Singing with The Houghton Weavers

7.30 Marching band

7.45 Kick off

8.30 Half time and the draw for players' "End of an Era" shirts drawn by 102-year-old Joe Lomas

8.45 Second half

9.30 Marching band - Symbolic transfer of centre-spot to new stadium by chairman Gordon Hargreaves and president Nat Lofthouse OBE

9.40 Presentation of medals and Nationwide Division One Championship Trophy - Players' lap of honour

9.45 Auld Lang Syne

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