Championship news: Bolton advisor warns of players sales, despite wages being paid

Bolton's players will be paid for the month of December, the Sky Bet Championship club have confirmed.
Bolton boss Neil Lennon chats with Steve EvansBolton boss Neil Lennon chats with Steve Evans
Bolton boss Neil Lennon chats with Steve Evans

Wanderers' squad did not receive their wages in November while the financial uncertainty in the Macron Stadium boardroom rumbled on, and boss Neil Lennon feared that a second missed pay packet could allow his players to walk away from their contracts.

Those fears have now been allayed and Press Association Sport understands Bolton have raised the cash through the sale of assets connected to the club's ground, while the PFA have also made a contribution to the wages.

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Financial advisor Trevor Birch, who is working on behalf of owner Eddie Davies to broker a takeover, has stated the club "still have an immediate and critical funding requirement" as they work towards a winding-up hearing on January 18 following a petition HM Revenue and Customs issued over an unpaid tax bill.

That could mean the sale of players when the January transfer window reopens and Bolton have also hired former Bury, Sheffield United and Leicester director Terry Robinson to review their football operations ahead of those possible departures.

Birch said in a statement: "We're continuing to work through what is an extremely challenging time for the football club.

"We still have an immediate and critical funding requirement to enable the club to survive and provide a breathing space in the short term to complete a sale of the club.

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"The recent sale of some property assets has assisted, together with the support of the PFA, but we need to raise further substantial funds and player sales cannot be ruled out.

"We are still working to the deadline of the winding-up hearing on January 18 and unless we are successful in our efforts the club faces a very uncertain future.

"We can also confirm that Terry Robinson is now working with the club in a review of all of the club's operations."

Robinson had held the post of chairman at local rivals Bury and was recently the director of football at Leicester, a position he was sacked from 12 months ago.

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At Bolton he is likely to oversee developments in a transfer window where Lennon's squad may have to be dismantled to get by ahead of any possible takeover.

Cardiff have already lodged a bid for midfielder Josh Vela but Press Association Sport understands that, as the 22-year-old is not one of the club's higher earners, there is no immediate pressure on Bolton to cash in.

Lennon's side mustered just their second win of the season on Monday and they remain at the foot of the Championship table, four points adrift of safety.