DAVID Wheater recently paid a special visit to long standing fan Frank Wadsworth to put a smile on his face during a period of ill health.

Eighty-three-year-old Frank, who has been supporting Wanderers for 77 years, has spent most of that time as a season ticket holder with him seated in the West Stand Upper at the University of Bolton Stadium in recent campaigns.

He and his friend Gregory Hindle meanwhile aimed to visit every league ground that the Whites played at during the era of Francis Lee and Wyn Davies and although they didn’t quite succeed in their aim, they certainly tried their best.

Unfortunately however, due to his ill health, he was forced to stop attending games of his beloved Bolton Wanderers last year and is now housebound and on constant oxygen as a result, with him relying heavily on support from his wife Jean.

And upon hearing of his situation from his friend Gregory meanwhile, Wheater travelled to Frank’s home in Doffcocker to put a smile on his face, enjoy a cup of tea and have a good chat with the long-standing supporter.

He also handed over a signed pennant from the squad to let him know that his backing, even from afar, is still wholly appreciated.

Speaking following the visit, Wheater said: “It was an honour to meet Frank and to hopefully take his mind off his health, even if just for an hour.

“To hear about his years spent following the club was fantastic and a real privilege, and although it’s a shame that he can’t attend games anymore, we know he’ll be right behind us.

“I’ve also been told that I can pop around for a cup of tea anytime and I’ll definitely hold him to that!”