Bolton Wanderers Football Club was founded in 1874, making it one of the oldest professional football clubs in England. The club’s original name was Christ Church Football Club, but it was later changed to Bolton Wanderers to reflect the team’s wanderings to different grounds in the town of Bolton.
Bolton Wanderers is a club steeped in history and tradition, with a loyal following of fans who have supported the team through thick and thin. The club’s most successful period came in the 1920s, when they won the FA Cup three times and also secured the First Division title in the 1924-25 season.
One of the most notable events in the history of Bolton Wanderers is the “Burnden Park Disaster” which occurred on 9 March 1946. The club was playing a FA Cup quarter-final match against Stoke City at its home ground of Burnden Park, and the match was attended by a crowd of over 83,000 people, many of whom were standing on the terraces. Unfortunately, a crush occurred in one of the stands, and 33 people lost their lives as a result. This tragedy had a profound impact on the town of Bolton and the wider football community, and it led to major changes in stadium safety and the introduction of new regulations to ensure the safety of spectators at sporting events.
In the aftermath of the disaster, the club’s supporters formed a supporters’ group called the “Burnden Aces”. This group was created as a way for fans to come together and support the club, both on and off the pitch. Over the years, the Burnden Aces have become an integral part of the fabric of Bolton Wanderers, and they have played a vital role in maintaining the club’s traditions and heritage.
Today, the Burnden Aces are still an active group, and they continue to support the club through thick and thin. They are a vocal and passionate bunch, and they provide a fantastic atmosphere at home games, helping to create a vibrant and passionate match-day experience for players and supporters alike. The group also works to promote the club and to engage with the local community, helping to raise funds for the club and for local charities.
In conclusion, the Burnden Aces are an important part of the history and heritage of Bolton Wanderers Football Club. They were formed in the aftermath of the tragic Burnden Park disaster, and they have been a constant presence in the lives of the club’s supporters for over 70 years. The Burnden Aces embody the spirit and passion of the town of Bolton, and they are a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
