Bolton Wanderers takeover saga rumbles on as game is cancelled

Bolton Wanderers

The battle for the ownership of Bolton Wanderers took another twist this weekend after the players went on strike.

Meanwhile Ken Anderson, chairman of the embattled club, said he will “pursue other options if businessman Laurence Bassini does not provide the necessary funding to purchase his shares in Burnden Leisure.

There were high hopes that Wanderers would be able to put their problems behind them after former Watford chief Laurence Bassini agreed to buy the club.

Mr Bassini had said the club was in safe hands after he struck a deal.

But Ken Anderson has claimed that Bassini has not provided the short-term funding which was pledged as part of a Sale and Purchase Agreement for the Sky Bet Championship club which was announced on April 17.

Bassini had been expected to pay the wages for Bolton players and staff on Friday evening but failed to keep his promise leading to Saturday’s fixture with Brentford being cancelled.

According to reports other parties have shown interest in buying the club outright or purchasing debt owed to Moonshift Investments, the company previously owned by late Wanderers owner Eddie Davies.

There are also reports that Mr Anderson is considering putting the club into administration.

That would mean the relegated club would start next season on minus 12 points in League One.

Me Bassini has insisted he will table a new business plan to the EFL and bring in a team of forensic accountants to accelerate the process of buying the club.

He claims he has shown Mr Anderson adequate means of funding, including £1m to pay outstanding staff wages and £20m proof of funds for the EFL.

Meanwhile the EFL has confirmed the cub will be charged with misconduct after the postponement of the game with Brentford.

Bolton’s first team players have refused to play again this season until they are paid wages owed from March.

The league have informed Wanderers, however, that they must fulfil both the rearranged Brentford fixture and next weekend’s game at Nottingham Forest or face even further punishment.

With the ownership of the club still up in the air it is not clear whether April’s wages will be paid.

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