Trotters on the brink

insisting the club, who were in the top flight seven years ago, are not in a position to continue trading, with more than 150 staff set to lose their jobs.

It is understood a takeover was close at the weekend.

But a dispute between ex-owner

Ken Anderson, above, and the Fildraw Trust, who act for another former owner, the late Eddie Davies, saw the deal collapse. Administrator Paul Appleton said: “Unless there is a change from any of the parties involved, the process of closing down the club, and ultimately placing Bolton into liquidation, will begin this week.”