UK Edition
Bolton Wanderers on brink of administration ahead of High Court hearing
Bolton Wanderers are at growing risk of becoming the first professional club in England to be placed into administration for six years.
With Laurence Bassini’s hopes of buying the embattled Championship club looking doomed to failure, Bolton’s plight is increasingly precarious as the pressure mounts on owner Ken Anderson.
They are due back in the High Court on Wednesday over a winding-up petition brought by HMRC over an unpaid £1.2 million tax bill.
The hearing has already been adjourned twice as the court granted Bolton more time to try to complete a takeover but the threat of liquidation now looms large.
Bassini signed a sale and purchase agreement for Anderson’s 94.5 per cent shareholding on April 17 but he has been unable to provide proof of funding despite repeated requests.
Bolton released a statement on April 27 issuing Bassini with an ultimatum but subsequent meetings with the EFL have failed to bring any progress, even though the former Watford owner claims to be in control of the Lancashire club.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Bassini said: "I have tried to have conversations with HMRC and others in an attempt to prevent tomorrow's court proceedings going ahead and risking the club's future.
"Ken Anderson is not sticking to the agreed deal and my hands are tied as a result, it's very frustrating, I am trying to save this club but it looks increasingly like administration will happen".
Bolton’s players are still awaiting their wages for March and April as the crisis deepens. The club have been relegated to League One and administration would bring an automatic 12 point deduction next season.
No professional club in England has entered administration since Coventry City in 2013. They also face disciplinary action after failing to fulfil their Championship fixture against Brentford, which was cancelled due to a players’ strike. Brentford were awarded the three points by the EFL.
The Bolton Wanderers Supporters’ Trust have launched a “Fighting Fund” to cover costs during a potential administration.