Everyone at Bolton Wanderers Football Club is tonight sharing the nation’s grief at the passing of our Monarch, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Flags outside the University of Bolton Stadium are flying at half-mast as a mark of respect for The Queen, who saw Wanderers play at Wembley in 1953.
The final, which Wanderers lost 4-3 to Blackpool after Nat Lofthouse had completed his record of scoring in every round, was the first football match attended by The Queen – a month before her coronation in June of that year.
Speaking on behalf of the club, Phil Mason, Club Chaplain and CEO of Bolton Wanderers in the Community, said: “It is with great sadness we learn of the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
“Our thoughts and prayers here at Bolton Wanderers are with all the Queen’s family at this time of great loss for them all and, indeed, for the nation.
“The Queen has given our country loyal service all her life and duty to the very end.
“She is a role model for us all in her dedication, commitment and dignity; values for us all to aspire to at our Club, town and country.
“As we mourn such loss, we also pray for our new King as he grieves the loss of his mother.”