WANDERERS fans had a ball — meeting their footballing heroes.

Hundreds of star-struck supporters were invited to the Macron to rub shoulders with the likes of Zach Clough, Mark Davies and captain Darren Pratley.

Manager Neil Lennon said the fun day was an important event as it gave the club a chance to link up with the community.

He said: "Events like this gives the opportunity for the players to engage with the supporters. It is very very important for them to do that and you can also appeal to the younger generation. I think it is important that the players give up some of their time for the fans.

"It's a nice day, it is good to see so many people here, I enjoy it — it's nice distraction from the everyday pressures of the job. It's nice to see the supporters."

Fans were able to chat to the players and collect their autographs ahead of the start of the new season on Saturday.

Captain Darren Pratley: "It's a good day for the fans to come and meet some of the players and we get to meet them as well. It's good because you get to interact with the fans, they come and support us and so it is good to give something back.

"I will be telling the same as we do every year, come and support us and stick by us through the good times and bad times and let's have a good season."

Among the first queuing to meet the players was 16-year-old Callum Smyth.

He said: "I come every year, I will support Bolton Wanderers forever. I will frame the autographs."

Earlier in the day, families enjoyed watching younger players at the academy take part in a training session before enjoying the thrills and spills of a funfair.

Children at the fun day showed off their own football skills with the army football and met mascot Lofty the lion.

Four-year old Alfie Rushton, from Johnson Fold, was at the event with his family.

Dad Paul, aged 46, said: "We come every year, I've supported Bolton Wanderers since I was five.

"It's great to meet the players and bring the family."

Mum Tina Nugent added: "I'm not a huge football fan but it is a great family occasion and the kids enjoy it."

Huw Barrington, aged 14, said: "It is a lot of fun and nice to meet the players."

Oliver Green, aged seven, from Westhoughton added: "I think the team will have a good season and we have had a lot of fun."