The Connections - Latics to Bolton

Wigan Athletic entertain near neighbours Bolton Wanderers on Saturday in a Premier League clash at the DW Stadium, with the clubs being just six miles apart there are obviously going to be some connections, so I thought it might be an idea to take a quick look at some of the players and staff that have represented both clubs down the years.

Paul Comstive, Dave Crompton, George Eastham, Wayne Entwistle, Simon Farnworth, Gareth Farrelly, Dave Felgate, Per Frandsen, Scott Green, Ali Al-Habsi, Tony Kelly, David Lee, Paul Lodge, Dave Lyon, Andy May, Dave McKearney, Neil Redfearn, Dave Redfern, Bruce Rioch, Mark Seagraves, Stuart Storer, Greg Strong, Steve Taylor, Emerson Thome, Chris Thompson, David Thompson, Gavin Ward and Stuart Whittaker are amongst those that have earned a crust at both clubs

Of the players mentioned above a favourite of mine, Tony Kelly, is surely one of the most gifted players ever to grace either the Latics or the Wanderers. Kelly arrived at Springfield Park from Prescott Cables back in 1984 and made his debut at right back against Walsall under then manager Harry McNally, but it was arguably McNally`s successor, Bryan Hamilton who brought the best out of the young scouser, Kelly went on to make 103 appearances for the club and scored 15 goals

Kelly was a free kick specialist at the Latics and he was nick named Zico due to his accuracy, and in recent poll he was declared the 2nd greatest Latics free-kick specialist behind Ryan Taylor, I disagree with that, he was the best.

Kelly though had a liking for pies and beer that stopped him from reaching the very top that his talents deserved, he left Latics for Stoke City in 1987 for £80,000 but not before a goal scoring performance at Wembley in Latics 3-1 demolition of Brentford in the Freight Rover Trophy Final.

Kelly joined Bolton in 1991 and played 106 times for the Burnden Park outfit scoring 5 goals from midfield he rejoined Latics before in 1995 before moving onto Altrincham, he has also done some work with the kids at the Latics when Jewell was in charge.

The Bolton Years

Kelly signed for Bolton in August 1991 from Shrewsbury Town for £100,000 and made his debut on the 17th August 1991 at Burnden Park against Huddersfield Town. He went on to make over 100 appearances for Bolton and earned the nickname 'Tubby` for obvious reasons, before leaving for Port Vale on a free transfer in September 1994

He was an almost ever present for both clubs during his time at Wigan and Bolton becoming Kelly the legend.

Tony Kelly scores at Wembley for the Latics


















Latics and Proud



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