About this Book

 “That
lad’s more of a Bowton fan than tha’ll ever be.”

Jim
Hayes April 1953.

“Your
pride and love for your family shine through

–
second only to
your love of sport

–
definitely in the
right order!”

Janet
Covacic

Gerald,
born in the industrial North West during the 1930s, describes his
early life and experiences, and the effect on the family of moving
from Bolton to rural Oxfordshire when he was 15 years old.

The
book illustrates his passion for Bolton Wanderers, which was
initiated by his father at a young age. His vivid memories of the
Bolton Disaster in 1946 graphically illustrate the differences that
have occurred for supporters over the last 70 years.

As
well as being a family man, Gerald had a successful career as an
accountant in the Public Sector and was extensively involved in
football activities; his experiences as a football referee are
eloquently documented.

At
the age of 58 he was struck down with meningitis and not expected to
survive.

He
and his wife now spend more time at the family home in Spain enjoying
the warmer weather.