PFA’S £2M LOAN SAVES BOLTON
THE future of Bolton Wanderers is close to being secured — thanks to a £2million loan from the Professional Footballers’ Association.
Sportsmail understands the players’ trade union, whose chief Gordon Taylor used to play for Bolton, is set to step in to prevent the historic outfit from going to the wall as a protracted takeover drags on. The English Football League gave Bolton, who have been in administration since May, until 5pm yesterday to show they could meet ‘all outstanding commitments’. Had they not, Saturday’s opening League One game at Wycombe Wanderers was due to be called off amid
fears that they face liquidation. Late last night the EFL said they had received further submissions from the club and were ‘satisfied that they are sufficient to meet the requirement of the league subject to the completion of formal documentation’.
They added that the Wycombe game would go ahead.
Sources say that prospective new owners Football Ventures approached players, many of whom have not been paid for five months, and proposed to pay those who have remained with Bolton in full, and those who have left 20 per cent of their outstanding wages when the deal is completed.
That was met with a lukewarm response and the PFA indicated that they were prepared to lend around £2m to ensure all football staff are paid in full — thus allowing the takeover to finally be completed.
As their statement indicates, the EFL are happy with the situation and the takeover should now be completed. Bolton will start the campaign with a 12- point deduction because of their financial difficulties.
Bury, who will also start the League One season on minus-12 points, have had their opening fixture at MK Dons called off. The club, looking for a new owner, were unable to provide enough information to show the EFL how they will be funded.
A decision over their fixture at Accrington a week on Saturday will be made at 12pm on Friday. ‘ The EFL will continue to offer its full assistance to the ownership at Bury,’ said an EFL spokesman.