BOLTON BAG BIG VICTORY OFF THE PITCH...
THOUGH Bolton Wanderers are rooted precariously to the bottom of the table – and were thrashed 6-0 at Bristol City yesterday – the future does at least look bright off the pitch, with an outstanding tax bill having been paid and the threat of a winding-up order lifted.
The club were summoned to three High Court hearings in recent months over an outstanding £3m payment to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) – with £2.2m of it due straight away.
But, following the recent takeover by the Sport Shield consortium, headed by former striker Dean Holdsworth, the Trotters have confirmed the outstanding amount has been paid and that the winding-up order is set to officially be dropped tomorrow.
A statement read: “Bolton Wanderers can announce that the club has today, Thursday March 17, settled all overdue payments with HMRC.
“As a result, Bolton Wanderers now expects the winding-up petition against the club to be lifted in the High Court on Monday.”
In a turbulent week at the Macron Stadium, Neil Lennon left by mutual consent on Tuesday, with academy chief Jimmy Phillips promoted as interim boss.
He will be assisted by former midfielder Peter Reid, who made 257 appearances for Bolton between 1974 and 1983.
Though Phillips has expressed his desire to take the job on a full-time basis, he appreciates the new owners have much to ponder.
“We’ve got a new consortium coming in and, because of the nature of the club, they’re having to take things very steadily.
“They will have a full business plan behind their actions,” said the 50-year-old.
“I don’t think it’s a case of whether I want to put my name forward. I think they’ve got a plan and, hopefully, I will be part of it in the future.
“Whatever shape takes, time will tell.”