Bolton Wanderers linked to Thai takeover

BOLTON Wanderers, the struggling Championship football club, is seeking investment from Far East-based backers, it has emerged.

The club, relegated from the top flight in 2012, is second from bottom of the league and is around £150m in debt to current owner, Isle of Man businessman Eddie Davies.

Recently-appointed team manager Neil Lennon said executive chairman Phil Gartside is overseas meeting potential investors

He told BBC Radio Manchester: “I don’t know about selling it, but I know he is in Thailand to discuss a proposition from some Thai businessmen.

“What that is I’ve no idea what the ins and outs of it are, I’ll know more when Phil comes back.”

One potential suitor appears to be an entertainmet company called BEC-Tero,  which runs TV and radio stations in South East Asia as well as concerts and sports events.

BEC-Tero president Bryan Marcar has been quoted in the Thai press as saying: “As for the bid to take over Bolton, I must admit I have a close relationship with the club’s president.

“The club has plenty of property and, most importantly, they have their own stadium, hotel and football academy.”