thought there was going to be a minutes silence for the young lad.

They did a tribute instead.

 

 

http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/435793..._for_fan_Shaun/

 

 

 

 

 

 

A POIGNANT tribute was paid at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday to a young football fan killed in a motorway car crash.

 

Bolton Wanderers season ticket holder Shaun Bates, aged 11, died following a pile-up on the M6 on theway from his home in Rugby to the match against Aston Villa at the Reebok on April 25.

 

Shaun’s shirt was placed on his seat in the North Stand Upper for the match against Sunderland.

 

A private ceremony before the kick-off was held at the ground, led by Rev Phil Mason, at 1.30pm for his family and friends. Shaun’s father, David, who was in the car with his son when it crashed, was too ill to attend the game.

 

Shaun’s stepbrother, Simon Cavanagh, who was at the match on Saturday, said: “He loved coming to football; it was his favourite thing to do.

 

“The club has been great. They have done so much for the family and Shaun’s dad, Dave, has been touched by how much the club cares.”

 

A few days after the crash, club chairman Phil Gartside made a special visit to the family to pay his respects.

 

Mr Mason said: “Shaun will be missed and it is obvious that a lot of people thought a lot of him.

 

“He was a popular lad with a great passion for Bolton Wanderers. Our thoughts, love and prayers are with the family at this sad time.”

 

Andrew Hodgins, aged 52, takes his 11-year-old son, Joshua, to Wanderers matches.He was sitting a few seats along from where Shaun used to sit.

 

Mr Hodgins, from Bury, said: “I heard about what happened, it is terrible. I have a son the same age and it really brought it home to me. It is lovely what the club has done to remember him.” Shaun’s funeral takes place in Rugby tomorrow. His coffin will be draped with a Bolton Wanderers flag and he will be buried wearing his Wanderers shirt.

 

Mourners are being asked to wear Wanderers shirts or colours rather than black.

God bless him, that's brought a lump to my throat

 

It puts all our moaning and groaning into perspective

 

RIP young fella