Bolton's joint administrator Paul Appleton aims 'to progress to completion as soon as possible' with all parties
Wednesday 14 August 2019 17:56, UK
The sale of Bolton Wanderers can proceed after a court order blocking a takeover was adjourned.
Former bidder Laurence Bassini was awarded the order preventing the sale of the financially-troubled League One club to proposed new owners Football Ventures on August 8.
The injunction is now between Bassini and a company owned by former Bolton chairman Ken Anderson, called Inner Circle Investments.
The case has been adjourned until Monday, September 2.
Bolton's joint administrator Paul Appleton said the protracted takeover of the club was "on the brink of completion" before the court order was issued last week.
The solicitor representing Anderson said the High Court amendment to the order was a "fantastic result" for the former owner, the club and the administrator, clearing the way for a sale to take place.
Appleton said the amendment to the injunction enabled "the sale of the football club to continue unimpeded by this issue".
"I know it has been a frustrating few days for all involved, causing a continuing delay," he added in a statement.
"Now we must progress to completion as quickly as possible in order to secure the future of the club.
"Accordingly, my lawyers and I are in contact with all parties to progress to completion as soon as possible and give everybody connected with Bolton Wanderers the good news they deserve."
Bolton boss Phil Parkinson made an impassioned plea to Bassini at the weekend to "leave this great club alone".
Bassini, who agreed a deal to buy the club in April before it fell through a month later, said in a statement outside the court he had concerns over how the sale was being managed.
The judgement also contains a very clear warning about a transaction potentially, raising questions about the administrator's conduct for which there will be separate redress.
"I am very pleased that the judge has accepted my continuous entitlement to an injunction," he said.
"Obviously, I fully believe in the integrity of my claim.
"The judgement also contains a very clear warning about a transaction potentially, raising questions about the administrator's conduct for which there will be separate redress."
