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Bolton: Lofthouse knighthood call

26/ 8/2005

PLAYERS' union boss Gordon Taylor last night called for Bolton legend Nat Lofthouse to be knighted for his services to soccer and the town.

Taylor, chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association, sent a tribute to a celebration held at the Reebok Stadium in honour of the legendary striker, who turns 80 tomorrow. The party was organised by the Wanderers Supporters' Association.

Taylor, who was on the Bolton staff when Lofthouse was a member of the backroom team, said: "It's time to give him the same reward as his great Lancashire contemporaries, Sir Stanley Matthews and Sir Tom Finney.

"He is one of the finest members of his profession and a role model for anyone wanting to come into the game."

Finney, the Preston star who played alongside Lofthouse for England, said: "Nat is one of the greatest headers of the ball I've ever seen. "