JOHN Major made a surprise visit to Bolton this afternoon to put his Premiership seal on the news that Wanderers' new stadium is to carry the name of the club's major sponsor.

The Prime Minister's election battle-bus stopped off in Horwich, where he was welcomed to The Reebok Stadium.

Months of speculation ended with the announcement that Wanderers had signed a "multi-year, multi-million pound deal" with the giant international sportswear manufacturers.

Reebok, which has its roots in Bolton, had always been favourite to cement a long-standing relationship with the football team by putting its name to the £35 million super stadium and Wanderers chairman Gordon Hargreaves confirmed that the company was the club's first choice.

But the sponsorship was only formally completed this morning with the contract signed just hours before Mr Major arrived to lay the stadium's foundation stone and unveil a plaque commemorating the £3.45 million donation to the project from the Football Trust.

The Premier, a Chelsea supporter, also supervised the completion of the first of four giant floodlight towers that will dominate the local skyline.

Mr Major arrived at noon for a visit lasting 90 minutes, during which time he discussed the ambitious plans for the 25,000 all-seater, multi-purpose stadium with Wanderers directors and officials. After the formal ceremonies, he inspected the commercial aspects of the Middlebrook site, which is being developed by Orbit at a cost of £200 million and will create 3,500 jobs.

Wearing a hard hat on the 200-acre site, he used a solid silver trowel presented by Birse, the stadium constructors, and a mallet presented by Bolton Wanderers. Both items are to be kept by the club for museum purposes.

Mr Major then had a close-up view as the spear-shaped 50 ft final section of steelwork, manufactured at nearby Watson's Steel, was positioned to complete the floodlight tower nearest to the Visitors' Centre. Seat for seat, newly-promoted Wanderers will boast the most expensive new stadium in Britain and one of the finest in Europe when they kick off next season in the Premier League on August 9.

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