THE season ended on such a high – both on and off the field – that I can’t wait for the next one to start.

The Wanderers produced a great performance at teh Reebok on Sunday to sign off with a well-deserved win against Birmingham. It was a combination of entertaining, exciting football and a solid, no-nonsense attitude when things got a bit niggly.

It emphasised what the whole club is all about – everyone pulling in the right direction with a team spirit that can only be good for the future.

I don’t think it was really such a surprise that, with the pressure off and with Owen Coyle encouraging them, we saw some good, attacking football. But what pleased me most was when it got a bit tasty, they rolled up their sleeves and showed they were also up for the battle.

It might have been a bit of a test for some of the younger lads but with the help of the more experienced hands – the likes of Paul Robinson, Zat Knight and Kevin Davies – they came through it with flying colours.

No wonder Birmingham manager Alex McLeish was enthusing about Davo’s contribution, saying he was just the sort of striker he is looking for. The captain is worth his weight in gold to Bolton Wanderers, leading from the front, taking the knocks and never complaining. You can see that other teams just don’t like playing against him because they keep trying to get him sent off. But they’d also love to have him on their side.

That’s the spirit that is shining through the club at the moment and which was in evidence on Sunday night at the Player of the Year do. It was a great occasion, well organised, well hosted by Dave Spikey who, of course, is a big Bolton fan, and gave the manager a chance to set out his hopes and plans for the future.

He spoke well about the first team, which has got to be his priority. But, being attached to the academy, I was delighted to hear him say he was looking for the club to produce some home-grown talent.

The owner, Eddie Davies, has spent a lot of money on the academy and Owen wants to see it become a production line. I think we are all with him in wanting to see Bolton players in his Bolton team.

Obviously the mood could have been much different. It’s been a difficult season in many ways and one which needed a change of direction.

I think the owner and the chairman got the timing of the big decision just right. Having given the previous manager enough time at the helm, they acted decisively at Christmas to ensure Owen had time to do a bit of business in the transfer window and to have an influence on the team.

But that is all history. This is the time to look forward and, with such a buzz about the place, I wish the new season was starting tomorrow.

Last week I attended the funeral of a lifelong Wanderers supporter, Doris Robinson. She was 83 and had been a fan and season ticket holder since 1940.

Hearing how much the club and the team meant to her was further proof to me that this place is special to so many people and why it is special to me.

That’s why I am signing off for the summer with a big thank you to all the fans who have supported the club again this season and look forward to seeing them back again for the start of the next one - our 10th successive year in the Premier League.