By Mark Heys
December 20 2005

Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Mike Pollitt has more than a passing interest in the opposition as the Latics face Bolton Wanderers in the Carling Cup Quarter Finals tonight. Pollitt was born in the Farnworth district of Bolton and used to watch his local team as a youngster before embarking on a football career which has seen him travel the length and breadth of the country.

Now 33, Pollitt has played in turn for Manchester United, Bury, Lincoln City, Darlington, Notts County, Oldham Athletic, Gillingham, Brentford, Sunderland, Rotherham United, Chesterfield, Rotherham United and finally Wigan whom he joined in the summer for a fee of around £200,000 after collecting numerous Player of the Year trophies whilst at Millmoor.

But it is his spell at Notts County which Pollitt remembers fondly as a certain Sam Allardyce, now manager of Bolton, got his career back on track after a number of uncertain moves from pillar to post.

"I’d love to be involved against Sam’s Bolton. I was a Bolton fan as a kid and I’ve got a bit of history with him at Notts County. I didn't know whether I was coming or going,"

"The clubs could never agree a fee but I have to thank Sam because he was the one who allowed me to keep playing that year, which lead to a move to Rotherham and a bit more stability".

This season is Pollitt's first full campaign as a top flight player despite being on the books of Premiership duo Manchester United and Sunderland in previous years and it is an experience he is keen to savour despite his advancing years.

"At 33 I thought my chance had gone to play at the highest level, so I'm enjoying every minute - win, lose or draw, in the team or on the bench

"It has always been my ambition to play at this level, so to achieve my goal has been great