Former Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce once described him as one of the most staunch Bolton supporters he had ever met and in January 2006 he was one of a number of young hopefuls named on the substitutes bench for an FA Cup game down at Vicarage Road.

Whilst his Academy team mates James Sinclair, Robert Sissons, Bedi Buval and Jaroslaw Fojut where just as eager to make their first senior Bolton appearance, for Sam it had that extra special significance with him being born and raised in the town.

He came through the ranks at the Reebok Stadium alongside current first teamer Joey O'Brien in 2003 and shared the reserve team goalkeeping responsibility with fellow Boltonian Chris Howarth for the next couple of seasons.

When he was told he would be in reserve for his boyhood idols for the Watford game it was expected that he would be covering for veteran goalkeeper Ian Walker for the afternoon.

However late on in the game, and with good pals Sissons and Fojut already on the field, he was summonsed to the touchline in readiness to come on and every man and his dog other than manager Allardyce expected a like for like change with Walker.

To young Sam's surprise the number eighteen of striker Jared Borgetti was held up by the fourth official and for a few minutes the young Boltonian found himself playing outfield and pitting his wits against more experienced pro's such as Marlon King, Darius Hendersen, Clarke Carlisle and Chris Eagles.

He was even given his own Bolton chant of "There's only one Sammy Ashton", sung by the travelling hoardes of Wanderers fans who made the journey down to Hertfordshire that afternoon.

Sadly, this proved to be the only action the keeper turned forward found at senior level for Bolton but it was a welcome cameo role nevertheless which will live long in the memory.

In the summer of 2006 he joined North West Counties side FC United of Manchester after trials with Cambridge United and Radcliffe Borough and he's gone on to develop quite a good reputation for himself during his time with the Gigg Lane outfit.

Not only is he the undisputed number one for the Red Rebels but he's also played his part in helping the Manchester United break away club work their way through the divisions with back to back Counties League titles and numerous non league cup wins.

We spoke to Sam earlier in the week to look back on his time at the Reebok.

What can you remember about your Bolton debut?

I can remember everything, it was like a dream come true with being a Bolton lad, coming on for Jared (Borgetti) and the Bolton fans singing my name it was a great feeling.

What have been your career highlights/lowlights so far?

Highlights were obviously playing against Watford and winning the double at my new club FC United, the lowlight was leaving Bolton.

Who did you room with when on away trips at Bolton?

I roomed with Jarek Fojut when I travelled to Watford

What do you think of the current Bolton team and do you get to see them often?

Well i have only seen them twice this season, the first was against Everton and I was worried that we wouldn't be able to survive but I went to watch against Portsmouth and it was like watching a completely different side.

I think we will survive now, (Gary) Megson looks good so I look forward to seeing how we go on.

Who did you support during your youth and who where your heroes?

I always was a Bolton supporter as child but my hero was Peter Schmeichel.

Which person influenced your career the most?

My Mum off the field, but Fred Barber was the main person who influenced me in my career at Bolton, he is the best goalkeeping coach in England.

Walking Down the Manny Road would like to express it's thanks to Sam for taking the time out of his schedule to speak to us. He is currently on the injured list at his club at the moment with a dislocated finger but we wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him back in action again soon.

Please click here to view our profile of Sam Ashton.

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