Ownership uncertainty leaves Bolton unable to pay players

Cash-strapped Bolton on Monday revealed they have been unable to pay their players’ wages this month and just hours later the Championship’s bottom club were held to a 1-1 draw by Brentford.

Neil Lennon’s squad have not received their wages for November as the club are currently £172.9 million ($260 million, 246 million euros) in debt and desperately seeking fresh investment with owner Eddie Davies no longer willing to bankroll them.

“Bolton Wanderers Football Club can today, Monday 30 November, confirm that the first-team playing squad are yet to receive their wages for the month of November,” a statement read.

“This is due to the ongoing situation surrounding the club’s ownership off the field.”

A consortium led by former Bolton striker Dean Holdsworth is understood to be interested in buying the club.

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But, adding to Bolton’s current woes, they were unable to improve their chances of avoiding relegation as the draw against Brentford at the Macron Stadium extended their winless run to a dozen games.

John Swift scored the 10th minute opener for Brentford, who were watched by new manager Dean Smith ahead of the official start of his reign on Tuesday following his move from League One team Walsall.

Bolton managed to salvage a point thanks to Neil Danns’ 65th minute equalizer, yet they remain in a perilous position four points from safety.

There was also a sign of tension in the squad when television replays appeared to show Bolton substitute Gary Madine verbally insulting Lennon after smashing a shot way off target.