Transfer row could result in winding-up threat for Bolton Wanderers

Bolton Wanderers

Bolton Wanderers FC could face a winding-up petition in a row with League Two club Forest Green Rovers.

Both clubs are in dispute over the proposed transfer of Wanderers player Christian Doidge, who was on loan with the Gloucestershire club.

However, Rovers’ chairman and businessman, Dale Vince, said the transfer is now off, and that he has not ruled out serving Championship side Bolton with a winding-up petition.

The row follows news that Bolton already faces two other possible petitions.

Mr Vince has called for football authorities to intervene, although Bolton chairman Ken Anderson denies any wrongdoing.

“I think a winding-up petition may be possible,” said Mr Vince.

“If not, it could be a simple pursuit through the High Court for a breach of contract.

“Quite what legal route we take will be decided in the next few days – it doesn’t really matter.”

He told BBC Radio Manchester: “There are debts and problems all around the club and all around Ken – it’s just a big mess. I think the football authorities need to get involved in this before a fantastic club goes down.”

Bolton are also reportedly facing winding-up petitions from HM Revenue & Customs and the Stellar Football Limited agency, which represents former Bolton players Gary Madine, Tim Ream, Derik Osede and Rob Holding.

However, a Wanderers spokesperson said: “If and when it is served, the club will vigorously defend the petition by Stellar Football Ltd.”

They added that any petition from HMRC “will be dealt with, if and when served”.

In September last year Bolton narrowly avoided administration over a dispute with its creditor BluMarble Capital.

Club owner Ken Anderson revealed he had offered to repay BluMarble its £4m loan, plus interest, but said his offer had been rejected, which could have led to administrators being called in.

However, on September 12, Mr Anderson confirmed that the loan from BluMarble had been repaid.

He also said that loans to other parties had been extended, on better terms for the club, and he had managed to reschedule and reduce a number of other club liabilities which, he said, have reduced future costs and liabilities by around £1.5m that will be “of great assistance to the club going forward”.

Mr Anderson added: “I believe the club now has one of the lowest debt positions in the Championship.”

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