MX23RW : Monday, September 30 12:27:51| >> :120:21115:21115:

Bolton Wanderers future "still in doubt" ahead of EFL deadline

Bolton Wanderers future
© Reuters
The English Football League has set a deadline of 5pm for the club to prove a takeover deal is done or provide reasons why they require an extension.

Bolton administrator Paul Appleton says the future of the club “is still in doubt” but hopes there will be a “positive outcome” before today’s 5pm deadline set by the English Football League.

Wanderers are on the brink of liquidation, with their 145-year history hanging in the balance while quibbles continue over legal paperwork.

A deal to sell the Trotters to preferred bidders Football Ventures collapsed on Saturday morning – despite being virtually agreed hours earlier – and Appleton had warned on Monday that he would start closing the club down on Wednesday.

The EFL has given the club until 5pm today to prove a deal is done or provide reasons why they require an extension, otherwise a notice for their formal withdrawal from the league will be issued.

“Following my statement of yesterday morning, I am glad to report there is continuing dialogue between the parties whose positions will ultimately decide the fate of the club,” said Appleton’s statement on Bolton’s website.

“Myself and my team will continue to do everything possible to facilitate a deal and we will work tirelessly to get this finalised for the club, fans, staff and wider community.

  • Aston Villa
  • Everton
  • Stoke
  • Blackburn
  • Preston
  • Accrington
  • Bolton
  • Burnley
  • Notts County
  • Derby
  • West Brom
  • Wolves

“The future of Bolton Wanderers is still in doubt but I have to believe there can be a positive outcome before today’s 5pm deadline set by the EFL.”

Bolton, founder members of the Football League, will still have 14 days to provide proof of funds in order to stave off expulsion if they fail to meet the deadline, but assets will start to be sold off on Wednesday, with the likelihood 150-plus jobs will be lost.

Neighbours Bury also face a 5pm deadline for their owner Steve Dale to complete a sale to data analytics company C&N Sporting Risk or face a similar withdrawal notice.

Bolton owner Ken Anderson claims a legal hitch holding up sale of the club has nothing to do with him
Bolton owner Ken Anderson claims a legal hitch holding up sale of the club has nothing to do with him (Martin Rickett/PA)

They, however, have been offered a lifeline by the EFL in terms of an extension should they be able to prove a deal is all but done.

Bolton’s situation appears more precarious, with Appleton saying on Monday: “The club is currently not in a position to carry on trading and, as such, the process of closing down the company will commence on Wednesday.

“Unless there is a change of position from any of the parties involved, the process of closing down the club and ultimately placing Bolton Wanderers into liquidation will begin this week.”

Bolton owner Ken Anderson, however, has rejected suggestions he is to blame.

“I have had no contact with any of the consortium, the Eddie Davies Trust (set up by the former owner) or Keir Gordon (lawyer for the Trust) since the appointment of the administrators and was not involved in any of the discussions or delays over the last few months,” he told Sky Sports News.

“The lengthy delays are entirely due to the discussions and negotiations between the consortium, Trust, Michael James, Administrators and Keir Gordon.”

Former Bolton striker Craig Davies, now playing for Mansfield, offered his best wishes to the club.

“All the best to every one involved with @OfficialBWFC hopefully a positive outcome for the club. Special place,” Davies posted on Twitter.

Kevin Davies spent 10 years with Bolton
Kevin Davies spent 10 years with Bolton (Tom Yates/PA)

Kevin Davies, who spent 10 years leading the line for Wanderers, told the Bolton News the demise of his old club would be “unthinkable”.

The player-turned-broadcaster said: “Not having a Bolton Wanderers is just unthinkable.

“I hope whoever is responsible for this deal not getting done can sort something because the football club matters more than they probably know. I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed.”

ID:369411: cacheID:369411:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:9768:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
FT
Bills
10-35
Ravens
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Birmingham CityBirmingham7610168819
2Wrexham8521146817
3Lincoln CityLincoln7421126614
4Blackpool84221613314
5Mansfield TownMansfield74211311214
6Barnsley84221311214
7Wycombe WanderersWycombe74121411313
8Charlton AthleticCharlton841376113
9Stockport CountyStockport7331117412
10Huddersfield TownHuddersfield84041210212
11Stevenage832365111
12Peterborough UnitedPeterborough83231414011
13Exeter CityExeter731386210
14Bolton WanderersBolton7313911-210
15Reading7313911-210
16Wigan AthleticWigan82336519
17Northampton TownNorthampton722389-18
18Leyton Orient8224911-28
19Rotherham UnitedRotherham8143610-47
20Crawley TownCrawley7214510-57
21Bristol Rovers8215713-67
22Burton Albion7043813-54
23Shrewsbury TownShrewsbury8116613-74
24Cambridge UnitedCambridge7016615-91


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!