STRICKEN TROTTERS HANDED RESPITE

BOLTON coukd be granted more time to find muchneeded investment after boss Neil Lennon revealed Monday’s scheduled winding-up petition may be delayed.

The Championship club are saddled with debts amassing to nearly £173m and are being chased by the HMRC for unpaid taxes reportedly worth £600,000.

The Trotters had asked for more time to seek investment or sell the club – owner Eddie Davies is willing to write off loans in order to secure the sale – with financial advisor Trevor Birch overseeing the efforts.

And Lennon said:“Speaking to Trevor Birch he seems confident that there are things that can be done.

“We may get an extension to the tax hearing on Monday, which is good news and buys us a bit more time to get investment in.”

Bolton have been trying to keep the wolf from the door by selling players but transfers of striker Zach Clough and midfielder Mark Davies – to league rivals Bristol City and Sheffield Wednesday respectively – fell through last week.