Your Local Independent 208

Page 14 June 2026 AD SALES 01204 478812 BOLTON Wanderers and their fans came together in mem- orable scenes as they celebrated the Whites’ promotion to the Championship. An estimated 6,000 supporters filled Vic- toria Square in the town centre for a civic reception to recognise the success of manager Steven Schumacher and his team following their famous Wembley win in the League One play-off final. Promotion means Wanderers are back in the second tier of English football for the first time since 2019 and also seven years on from when the club was saved from poten- tial oblivion by the cur- rent owners. Club chairman Sha- ron Brittan was lauded by the fans, who were thanked for their sup- port – along with busi- ness partners, sponsors, community leaders and Bolton Council – by board member Nick Luckock. Steven Schumacher, who has taken his place in club history by guid- ing the Whites to pro- motion in his first full season as head coach, also spoke to supporters from the stage, along with Wembley Player of the Match Sam Dalby and several of his team-mates among joy- ous scenes on the town hall steps. The party atmosphere continued more than 24 hours of celebration fol- lowing Wanderers’ epic 4-1 win over Stockport County. Close to 30,000 Wanderers’ fans basked in the sun at Wembley to form a ‘White Wall’ which roared Schu- macher’s men to glory. He said: “The recep- tion today has been outstanding. This football club means so much to the town and everyone that has sup- ported us week in and week out, especially away from home, it has been incredible.” Ahead of the civic reception, club chair- man Sharon Brittan said: “We are incred- ibly proud to have Wanderers have returned Great reception: Victoria Square welcomes TheWhites secured promotion and to bring this success back to Bolton. “The support from the town and our fans has been unwavering, and this achievement belongs to everyone connected to the club.” Mohammed Iqbal, the Mayor of Bolton, said: “Our civic celebration was a wonderful way for the town to come together to celebrate the team’s achievement.” Sarita Chohan, mayor of Westhoughton, was among the invited guests for the civic reception. She said: “The atmos- phere in Victoria Square was electric as fans gath- ered with immense pride to welcome the team home. Flares, speeches, chants and songs filled the square, making it a truly unforgettable day of celebration.”