By Mark Heys
December 16 2005

Bolton Wanderers have been handed a two legged tie against French club Olympique Marseille in the final 32 of the UEFA Cup following the lunchtime draw which was made in Switzerland. The first leg will take place at the Reebok Stadium on Wednesday 15th February 2006 with the return leg coming just eight days later at the Stade Velodrome arena.

Marseille won the European Cup twelve years ago and currently lie seventh in Ligue 1 trailing leaders Olympique Lyonaisse by sixteen points. They have lost just once in the UEFA Cup so far this season when playing against Bulgarian side Lefski Sofia two weeks ago.

They have some players well known to English fans as former Manchester United goalkeeper Fabien Barthez is a regular in their line up whilst ex-Liverpool, Leicester City and Stockport County custodian Pegguy Arphexad offers cover for the French international.

Wanderers duo Bruno N'Gotty and Fabrice Fernandes both spent time with the French giants in 2001 and will relish a return to their homeland to try and put one over on their former employers.

Bolton's Japenese midfielder Hidetoshi Nakata may come up against his countryman Koji Nakata when the two sides go head to head in just over two months from now.

Bolton manager Sam Allardyce told the clubs official website that he would have preferred to have avoided a tie against Jean Fernandez experienced European campaigners.

"It is a very tough tie for us. Marseille are a quality side who have a rich European heritage. I would've wanted an easier tie, but we will go to the south of France full of hope".

"We'll put this to back of our minds and concentrate on the fixture when it comes around in February."