Monday 15 April 2019 21:02, UK
The chairman of the Bolton Supporters Trust says he expects the Sky Bet Championship club to go into administration sooner rather than later.
Bolton owner Ken Anderson is desperately seeking to complete a club takeover in time to fend off a winding-up petition over an unpaid tax bill.
Earlier this month, Bolton were granted a further stay of execution by the High Court with their case adjourned until May 8.
But Bolton Supporters Trust chairman Terence Rigby believes Bolton will ultimately fall into administration and was also critical of the EFL's decision to sanction Anderson's purchase of the club in March 2017.
Speaking at the Supporters Trust meeting at The University of Bolton Stadium, Rigby said: "The EFL knew three years ago about the history of our owner, but they said 'Yes go ahead, you buy Bolton' - then gave us transfer embargoes. They have a lot to answer for."
This is the sixth time in the last 18 months that Bolton have faced a winding-up petition.
The Bolton Supporters Trust also met with EFL chief executive Shaun Harvey, communications director Mark Rowan and supporter services manager Andrew Pomfret on Monday to discuss their concerns.
Bolton Supporters Trust member Roger Allanson said: "We were utterly astonished at the EFL view that the club can fund itself till the end of the season, people are not being paid."
Bolton's first-team squad and management are still awaiting their salaries for March and earlier this month called upon the Professional Footballers' Association and the EFL to intervene over their unpaid wages.
But an EFL statement read: "Our overriding objective is to ensure the long-term sustainability of all EFL clubs, including a strong Bolton Wanderers. The regulations we have in place are to assist in that regard while ensuring we have appropriate governance measures to protect the integrity of our competitions.
"Reputational damage remains a key concern for the league, its clubs and football in general and we are committed to working with all relevant stakeholders to ensure appropriate solutions can be found to deliver against our stated objective.
"We continue to offer the club whatever practical assistance we can in regard to the sale but that ultimately is a matter for the current owner. As soon as we receive confirmation that a deal is to be done, we will act to ensure the process is completed as quickly as possible. There is currently no delay on the EFL's part.
"The EFL clarified the point made in its February 2019 response to the Trust where it stated that the EFL 'remain satisfied the club has the source and sufficiency of funds to meets its obligation as a member of the league until the end of the season.' The EFL remain of that view.
"During the meeting the EFL also provided further clarity on a number of matters in specific regard to the Owners and Directors' test, the application of its regulations and what sanctions were available in the event of a breach of those rules."
