UNPAID BOLTON STARS THREATEN TO BOYCOTT GAMES

PLAYERS at crisis club Bolton Wanderers have threatened to boycott today’s home match with Brentford and their final game at Nottingham Forest unless they receive the wages they are owed. The drastic measure was announced in a statement from the dressing room of the relegated Championship club yesterday. Salaries were due at the end of March but have remained unpaid, with Bolton subject to a drawn-out takeover by ex-Watford chairman Laurence Bassini. Fed-up players, who have been paid late a number of times, gave their employers until the end of yesterday to pay. As of last night, talks were ongoing but the situation had not been resolved. On another bizarre day at the club, Bassini — formerly declared bankrupt and banned from a position of authority at a Football League club for three years — told local radio he had up to £15million to spend on transfers once his takeover is ratified by the EFL. Hours later, Bolton’s players announced their intention to strike. A statement from the squad said that the situation was ‘creating mounting mental, emotional and financial burdens’ and ‘affecting every aspect of our lives, placing great strain on ourselves and our families’. The players apologised to Bolton supporters, claiming they had no option but to strike. The statement concluded: ‘We have been operating in a nearuntenable environment for some time and it is the accumulation of these issues that has resulted in our decision.’ Bolton announced on April 17 that an agreement had been signed whereby owner Ken Anderson’s 94.5 per cent stake was sold to Bassini. That deal is yet to be approved by the EFL. A source close to the squad said: ‘This has been a disaster of a season from start to finish. The players feel like they are in a constant state of limbo and are wondering if this takeover will actually happen.’ The Professional Footballers’ Association, who have assisted Bolton in the payment of wages previously, said: ‘The players have shown great patience and loyalty towards the club all season but they have reached a point where action is necessary.’ The EFL and Bolton declined to comment. Brentford said they expected the game to go ahead.