Like Sunderland a few nights earlier, I had to re-visit Bolton as the club had left their old stadium behind and relocated to a new site.  And, like the Stadium of Light, the Reebok Stadium was a far better experience than the former home of this proud Lancashire club.

To the un-educated, the ground is just off Junction 6 of the M61 and this, coupled with the free car parks available at the retail park next to it, make the Reebok one of the most supporter-friendly places that I've been to.  The official club car parks around the ground cost a hefty £5, and although there were signs warning against matchday parking in the retail park (including the threat of a £100 fee to release the wheel clamp) it seemed to me that it would be almost impossible to be caught out.  Just ensure that any football related items are removed from sight when you leave the car.

The Reebok is a unique setting; perhaps only Huddersfield's McAlpine Stadium comes remotely close to its' futuristic appearance.  Outside, I noticed a few pubs and bars on the retail park, which also included a couple of fast-food outlets (Burger King etc) so fans are well catered for on-site.  Walking around the stadium itself, I saw the new hotel built at the rear of the away stand and I passed a couple of Crewe supporters who were obviously in awe of such splendour which would have seemed a world away from their own unspectacular home.  I made my way round to the ticket office at the front of the Main Stand and handed over £14 for a seat in the North Stand. 

Upon entering the ground I saw four stands that were identical in style, with the only difference being the size of the stands behind the goals to those along the sides of the pitch.  Although the crowd only numbered around 12,000 there was a decent atmosphere throughout the afternoon.  The PA system was more than adequate, and the mascot and flag-bearers added to the spectacular fireworks that greeted the teams from their separate home and away tunnels.  However, as much as I appreciate a vociferous crowd I couldn't believe that I had paid for a seat next to the loudest but least talented singer in the entire stadium.  For the whole game he sang alone, and all four Bolton goals were greeted by the worst rendition of "I Feel Good"  to accompany the music blasted out of the speakers.

Still, I saw a thoroughly enjoyable game in which Crewe played a large part in the first half at least.  In the end Bolton ran out worthy 4-1 winners and look set for another surge for promotion to the Premiership. Their stadium would not look out of place in the top division.

Walking away from the Reebok I turned back for a last glimpse and saw that the ground looked even more impressive when lit-up, so try to get to an evening game!  I'm sure Burnden Park held fond memories for many Bolton fans, but they must certainly be content with their new home.