Image source, PA Media

Less than five years ago they neared oblivion, before a successful takeover.

Now Bolton Wanderers have lifted a trophy in front of 80,000 fans at Wembley, and could well seal promotion to the Championship in the same season.

It's a tale of how quickly things can change for a club.

Thank you for joining me - the bread and butter of the league will return on Friday and we'll be right across it.

John McGinlay
Ex-Bolton striker on BBC Radio Manchester

Respect to Plymouth boss Steven Schumacher who kept all his players on the pitch until every Bolton player had lifted the trophy.

This means a lot for Bolton because April is a tough month, with seven league games.

This should kick them on that they can go on and achieve their aim of promotion.

The supporters have made this a special day - they have turned up in their numbers.

CHAMPAGNE MOMENTpublished at 17:16 British Summer Time 2 April 2023

17:16 BST 2 April 2023

FT: Bolton 4-0 Plymouth

Ceremony complete, Bolton skipper Ricardo Santos brings the Papa Johns Trophy down to pitch level, for the official trophy lift and photo.

The music goes quiet as the fans wait for the silverware to be held aloft.

Suspense builds as the players keep us waiting... AND THERE WE GO.

Congratulations to Bolton!

Finally the Plymouth players are able to disappear down the tunnel, having spent several minutes watching Bolton start their trophy-winning party.

There always has to be a winner and a loser at Wembley, remember.

And now The Wanderer song is played out on the public address system.

CHAMPAGNE MOMENTpublished at 17:10 British Summer Time 2 April 2023

17:10 BST 2 April 2023

FT: Bolton 4-0 Plymouth

Image source, Rex Features

Here we go.

Ricardo Santos lifts the Papa Johns Trophy aloft, with confetti and Paloma Faith's dulcet tones blasting out across Wembley.

Bolton boss Ian Evatt is just trying to take it all in as the trophy is passed between all the Trotters' players.

Image source, Rex Features

Ian Evatt and his Bolton players shake hands with the various dignitaries, taking their winners' medals one by one.

Wanderers are fifth in League One and while their play-off spot is far from secured, they could well find themselves back at Wembley next month for the opportunity to go up to the Championship.

What a season that would be.

Jack Dearden
BBC Radio Manchester

It's 100 years since Bolton played in the first FA Cup final at Wembley and they are back to win a game.

I asked captain Ricardo Santos this week if he dared to dream about lifting the trophy and he said that was the plan.

That plan is about to come true.

Now it's Bolton's turn to climb those steps - but I can imagine the walk is a lot easier when you've won!

They're led by captain Ricardo Santos.

Half of the Wanderers fans remain in the April Wembley sun.

The Plymouth squad make the long walk up the Wembley steps to collect those unwanted runners-up medals.

Steven Schumacher's side may have taken a kicking today, but automatic promotion and the League One title remain in their hands.

There's still plenty up for grabs for Argyle this season.

Rockin' All Over the World blasts out across Wembley, Bolton fans singing along to the chorus.

The winners' presentation stand is being erected in the meantime.

And the Plymouth players are made to stay out on the pitch when, really, they just want to scarper down the tunnel ASAP.

Chris Hargreaves
Ex-Plymouth midfielder on BBC Radio Devon

Image source, Rex Features

The Plymouth players will be so disappointed that they've not done themselves justice or performed for the fans.

But they do have the opportunity to put it right because they are in a fantastic position in the league and that's not going to change after today.

They have got to learn from this and make sure it doesn't happen again. I would like to think this is a one-off.

The victorious Bolton players acknowledge their adoring fans - waving, cheering, chanting.

The Plymouth squad, meanwhile, stand hands on hips or heads.

Only Wembley finals can provide such contrasting emotions.

John McGinlay
Ex-Bolton striker on BBC Radio Manchester

Bolton from the first minute to the last dominated the game and deserved the win.

A lot of people in the town had fallen out of love with the football club and they nearly went out of business.

But today a lot of people will have fallen back in love with the football club.

The support this season, home and away, has been tremendous.

Rarely will you see a more one-sided final - in fact, that's the biggest margin of victory ever in an EFL Trophy final.

Bolton played absolutely out of their skins and could have had several more goals.

Kyle Dempsey, Dion Charles, Elias Kachunga and Declan John scored, while Plymouth simply didn't turn up and were duly punished.

Bolton continue to run rings around the Plymouth defence, who quite frankly look dead on their feet.

Jack Dearden
BBC Radio Manchester

Image source, Rex Features

The Wanderers fans are preparing to celebrate. They are waving their flags and banners. These are great moments when your team is in a position like this and, to be honest, it doesn't happen very often.

Four minutes of stoppage time have been added.

The Plymouth end empties, the Bolton end is flourishing with white flags - but not of the surrendering type!

The game's a non-event now.

Bolton playing it around, Plymouth staying honest and retaining some pride until the end.

I think all sides would be happy with no more than two minutes of stoppage time, mind.

On the pitch, Bolton's Eoin Toal is limping off. George Johnston takes his place.

Wanderers fans ask manager Ian Evatt to wave in his direction but, from what I can see, he politely declines.

The attendance has just been confirmed as 79,389 - the highest in the whole of Europe this weekend.

Let that sink in. You can't fail to be impressed.