THEY said it – we listened. It has been a year of memorable statements at Wanderers and not always for the best reasons.

From takeover talk to Zach Clough’s nan, Prince’s clothes to Trevor Birch describing Wanderers’ “perilous” financial plight, there has been plenty to say at the Macron Stadium in the last 12 months.

“People who are not in football have short memories and that’s what drives you on to go out and perform. I do want to stay here.”

Matt Mills bounced back from a red card against Nottingham Forest to put in a commanding display against Brighton and underline his commitment to the cause. Three months later he was one of 13 players released at the Macron.

“I’ve finished top scorer at every club I’ve been at, apart from Cardiff, obviously. I’ll be taking that Golden Boot; that will be mine. I’m a striker and strikers are meant to be heroes. That’s what I want to be.”

Adam Le Fondre made good on his promise in March to top the Whites’ goal-scoring charts but alas his chance to become a hero came and went this summer when the club could not afford to loan him again from Cardiff City.

“I’ve been looking after him, opening doors for him, serving his dinner – stuff like that.”

David Wheater explains how he made life easy for new signing Eidur Gudjohnsen on his return to the club.

“I was in the car on the way home and I heard Mavis come on the radio and I thought, ‘that’s my nan’. All my family are big fans but she might be the biggest.”

Zach Clough looks back on his Roy of the Rovers debut against Wigan and the fact his Nan Mavis was trending on Twitter.

I didn't really talk about that Barca game with Celtic to be honest, although we set the side out in a similar way. They don't want to hear about me, the focus was on them. I wanted them to be mentally strong, and believe in what they could do, and they were magnificent.”

Neil Lennon is asked whether the 1-1 draw at Liverpool compared to beating Barcelona in the Champions League with Celtic. It didn’t.

“When I played the computer game FIFA, my team was always Bolton.”

Simeon Slavchev says he knows all about Wanderers but sadly the Bulgarian midfielder did not get much of a chance away from the computer screen.

“I will take nothing but good memories away from my time at Bolton. I’ve enjoyed every moment and I will remember Bolton and the fans for the rest of my life.”

Chung-Yong Lee pens an emotional open letter to Wanderers fans on his departure for Crystal Palace in January.

“I am not a huge fan of bringing in players I have worked with before. I have done that, of course but I would like to think I have a wider range of knowledge, beyond the players I have already worked with.”

Nottingham Forest boss Dougie Freedman brings howls of derision from Wanderers fans as he looks past a string of former Crystal Palace players he signed at the Macron. Ironically, he was deflecting rumours that he was about to sign Matt Mills. And he did.

“I’m kept abreast of what’s going on but at the moment we could be close or a million miles away.

Neil Lennon speaking in July about takeover rumours, which continued to circulate in the first half of the season.

“When I came here I had no clothes. My manager said ‘Prince we’re going to England, from France, and so I only needed to take clothes for two days.

“I didn’t think everything would go so quickly. After one day I was on the pitch with nothing to wear.”

Prince–Desire Gouano turns up looking like a pauper at Wanderers following his loan move from Atlanta on the eve of the new season, making his debut against Derby just 24 hours later.

“Nah, I think I might leave that one alone!”

Neil Danns is asked if he will be meeting up for a film with ex-team-mate Barry Bannan after the visit of Sheffield Wednesday in September. The pair were famously disciplined by the club.

“I thought about saving it – but then I’d have the whole stadium on my back, so I decided against it.”

Paul Rachubka contemplates spoiling three-year-old Alfie Lasley’s day as he scores a consolation goal in his dad Keith’s testimonial in September.

“It has been a horrible process,” he said. “I’ve been looking at it as a third person – it doesn’t feel like it’s happening to you. It’s the person who the media portrays.

Phil Gartside speaks out after a charge of perjury and fraud is thrown out of court, ending an eight-year legal wrangle.

“He was a disgrace, and absolute disgrace. I have not seen a more biased performance from a referee in a long, long time. He gave QPR everything he possibly could.”

Neil Lennon fumed at referee Darren Drysdale after the 4-3 defeat at Loftus Road in October, landing himself in disciplinary trouble with the Football Association.

"The club's position is increasingly perilous and new investment is needed quickly.”

Trevor Birch underlines the urgency of Wanderers’ financial position.

"Maybe not. I don't know. I think I am."

Lennon questions whether he is the man to lead Wanderers to safety after their 3-2 defeat to Cardiff City.

"That is their right and at this time of year it's a huge concern if they're not getting paid. So that scenario is a realistic possibility and that would be another devastating blow.”

Lennon admits a player walk-out is a possibility as the club struggled to pay wages for November and December.