- THE CLUB was formed in 1874 by the Vicar of Christ Church Sunday School, Bolton, when he created an outdoor recreational club.

- In 1877 the footballers amongst the club re-christened themselves Bolton Wanderers.

- The club was one of twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888.

- In 1895 the club moved to Burnden Park, which became one of the most famous grounds in the country, hosting the 1901 FA Cup Final replay.

- BWFC won the FA Cup in 1923 (the first final played at Wembley).

- During the 1930's the club slipped out of the top flight but returned in 1935 to put together a run of 29 consecutive years as members of the old first division.

- The club won the Football League North war cup in 1945 by defeating Manchester United over two legs and followed this up with a victory over the Southern winners, Chelsea, at Stamford Bridge.

- The club produced a great personality and one of England's greatest forwards in Nat Lofthouse, who went on to become the clubs record goal scorer with 285 first class goals.Nat also scored 30 goals in 33 England appearances, later becoming the Wanderers coach, manager and is now the club President.

- In 1958 the club won the FA Cup when two Nat Lofthouse goals defeated Manchester United.

- The club had its ups and downs during the 60's, 70's and 80's, and by 1987 the Wanderers found themselves in the basement of the Football League.However, the ensuing ten years brought about the most exciting decade in the clubs history both on and off the park.

- In 1993 the club gained national prominence by knocking Liverpool out of the FA Cup at Anfield.

- The Premiership was reached in 1995 with an incredible 4-3 Wembley win over Reading in the play-off final.After just one season the club were relegated but bounced back at the first attempt.

- 1996/97 season proved to be one of the most successful League season in the clubs history, as they won the first division championship.Club records tumbled : most points in a season (98), most goals scored in a season (100) and most wins in a season (28).It also proved to be the end of an era as the championship trophy was presented at the final Burnden Park game to make it a happy ending to 102 years at the ground.

- The club kicked off the 1997/98 season back in the Premiership and at their new ground, the Reebok Stadium.Unfortunately, the club were relegated again after just one season.

- The club regained Premiership status in the 2001/02 season, where they remain today.

- In 2004 the Club recorded their best finish to a season in 40 years, finishing eighth. The Club also reached the final of the Carling Cup but lost out to Middlesbrough on 29 February 2004.

- Last season the Club qualified for European football for the first time in its 131-year history and will play in the UEFA Cup in 2005/06 campaign.