Monday, 7 May 2018

Unofficial Champions of England: Bolton Wanderers 1-0 Huddersfield Town, 16/10/1999



After the elation of beating high flying Chelsea to become English Champions, it was back to league action in Division One for Huddersfield Town.

Just three days on, the Terriers were defending their title at the Reebok Stadium against Bolton Wanderers. Bolton were looking to make a return to the Premier League (as well as claim their second Unofficial Championship) but a poor start to the season had cost manager Colin Todd his job, with Phil Brown taking charge in a caretaker role. Watching from the stands was Bolton's next full-time manager, Samuel 'Big Sam' Allardyce.

One goal was all that was required on the day, coming from Jamaican Ricardo Gardner. Big Sam's dream had come true, he was taking over a championship winning side.