“Key parties” involved in the ongoing financial difficulties at Bolton Wanderers are continuing to discuss matters. 

According to a statement by leading administrator Paul Appleton, there is a continued dialogue between parties at the club. These discussions are absolutely crucial for The Trotters, as the “positions [of these parties] will ultimately decide the fate of the club”.

Mr Appleton stated:

“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.

“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.”

This statement follows the news that, should the club have its withdrawal notice lifted at 5pm today (27 August), the administrators would begin the process of liquidating the club. The sale of the club to Football Ventures had been agreed on 23 August by all parties, except Ken Anderson. Without a credible buyer, of which Football Ventures have been deemed to be the only one available, the club will not be able to operate financially.

The administrators said:

“In just over 24 hours, the club will have its membership of the EFL revoked. Over and above that, 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.

“This will ultimately lead to its liquidation, the expulsion of the club from the EFL and the inevitable loss of over 150 jobs. More than that, it will devastate a community for whom the football club is a beacon of hope and expectation.”