By Mark Heys
May 22 2007

Bolton Wanderers will make their first trip to Prenton Park in over three years this summer when taking on their old rivals Tranmere Rovers in a pre-season friendly on Saturday 28th July.

The history between Bolton and Rovers stretches back to the 1991 Division 3 Play Offs when a debatable Chris Malkin goal gave the Wirrall club a 1-0 win at Wembley Stadium.

In January 2000, in Sam Allardyce's first season in charge, the Wanderers lost a two legged League Cup Semi Final by a 4-0 aggregate scoreline with accusations of unsportsmanship directed at Tranmere and their then coaching staff.

A year later Bolton refused to prepare or warm up at Prenton Park due to the events of the League Cup game and a rare goal from Mike Whitlow gave them a 1-0 win.

Four seasons ago the two teams played out a 1-1 draw in the FA Cup, with Rovers winning the replay at the Reebok Stadium 2-1 thanks to a thunderbolt of a goal from Canadian international Iain Hume.

There are some familiar faces in the Tranmere camp with former Wanderers captain Warwick Rimmer having extended his role as their Youth Development Officer this summer.

Jason McAteer, a member of the successful Bolton giantkilling teams of the 1990's is currently player/coach for his hometown club and 1997 Division One title winner Gavin Ward currently competes for the goalkeeping jersey.