Wanderers' series of articles profiling former players who have worn a particular number for the club continues
With just 13 days remaining until the start of the 2016/17 season, bwfc.co.uk runs the rule over three players who have worn that number for the club down the years.
Peter Beardsley
August 1997 – November 1998
A legendary figure in the game, Beardsley’s spell with Wanderers was short but sweet if nothing else.
Arriving at the Reebok Stadium in the summer of 1997 following the club’s move to their new home, the frontman boasted an impressive resume having plied his trade for the likes of Newcastle United, Liverpool and Everton prior to linking up with the Whites.
Unfortunately however, Beardsley saw his opportunities limited with the Trotters and he played just 21 times for the club, scoring twice as Wanderers failed to stave off relegation from the top flight.
The former England international would only play for a further year after departing BL6 in November 1998, with brief spells at Manchester City, Fulham, Hartlepool and Doncaster Rovers marking the end of what was undoubtedly an illustrious career.
Where is he now?
Acting as assistant manager for England between 1999 and 2000, Beardsley linked up with former club Newcastle at the start of the millennium and has since held various roles at St James’ Park including reserves coach, caretaker manager and assistant manager.
Youri Djorkaeff
February 2002 – September 2004
Class personified, Djorkaeff was a man who left his mark on each and every side that he played for.
Boasting an impressive trophy cabinet having won the UEFA Cup with Inter Milan, as well as tasting World Cup and European Championship success with France in the late 90s, the Frenchman’s move to the Reebok Stadium in 2002 came as something of a surprise.
Having plied his trade for PSG and Inter Milan previously, there were certainly no airs and graces about Djorkaeff who slotted into a team featuring Jay-Jay Okocha and Ivan Campo with ease, helping the team stave off relegation in his first season at the club.
Dubbed as ‘Le God’ by the club’s fans, he also played his part in the Whites’ march to the Carling Cup Final in 2004 before departing BL6 that same summer, moving onto Blackburn Rovers.
Limited in game time at Ewood Park however, he wound down his career in America with the New York Red Bulls, notching nearly 30 goals in 82 appearances before retiring in 2006 at the age of 38.
Where is he now?
The Frenchman now runs the Youri Djorkaeff Foundation in New York City, a non-profit organisation which runs year round soccer programmes and camps.
Rob Lainton
August 2010 – July 2013
On the books of Wanderers since he was a teenager, Lainton turned professional with the club after impressing between the sticks for the club’s youth teams.
The Ashton-under-Lyme shot-stopper however failed to make the grade at senior level at the club and, following the expiration of his contract in the summer of 2013, he moved onto pastures new with Bury his next port of call.
Injury did curtail his initial progress at Gigg Lane though, with him being forced to bide his time for his opportunity with the Shakers – a spell which resulted in him being sent out on loan to Burton Albion for the latter part of the 2013/14 campaign.
Where is he now?
Since returning to Bury, Lainton has made 38 appearances with the 26-year-old having been handed a new contract last summer after the team won promotion to League One.
Other Bolton No.13s include: Mario Jardel and Aidan Davison