THE increasingly complex ownership situation at Wanderers took another unpleasant twist today as chairman Ken Anderson launched a stinging attack on one of his rival bids.

The Bolton chairman, who owns a 57.5 per cent stake in the club, is claiming a consortium fronted by local businessman Shabbir Khilij has been unable to present acceptable financial proof to either himself or the EFL as they bid to buy the club.

It had been claimed by a spokesperson for Mr Khiliji’s group last week Mr Anderson’s demands at the 11th hour had prevented a deal going through – although at that stage the protagonists had asked for anonymity.

It is believed Mr Khiliji is now backed by another UK-based businessman in a joint venture and is still in discussion both to assume control of a £5millilon-plus loan from BluMarble finance, and to buy out complete control of the club.

Writing on the official website, Anderson said Mr Khiliji had been introduced to his advisor Paul Aldridge by Cllr John Walsh and the coroner, Alan Walsh.

“Unfortunately, at no time has Mr Khilji been able to provide proof of his funds which would be acceptable to the EFL or myself,” he said.

“Indeed, having failed to produce any evidence of his funds, and at the eleventh hour last week, another person was introduced as having joined 'the consortium'.

“However, it was impossible to try and agree or finalise anything as there was still no evidence of sufficient available funds, despite numerous assurances that it would be provided.”

It had been claimed last week Anderson demanded £500,000 to gain access to the club’s books and £5m for his shares plus associated bonuses worth £5m.

But the Whites chairman insisted the figures included incumbent bonuses owed to former owner Eddie Davies, dependent on Championship retention or promotion to the Premier League.

“Since Monday, l understand that Mr Khilji has made various assurances to the liquidators and BluMarble about his funding but once again my understanding is that nothing acceptable has been forthcoming so far, apart from various assurances that funds will come from India,” Anderson continued.

“Surprisingly, l understand Mr Khilji even approached another club owner to fund his acquisition, but I am told the security he offered was grossly inadequate for the amount he wanted to borrow.”

Anderson also claims Mr Khiliji’s consortium would require a month to clear the EFL’s Owner’s and Director’s Test, should adequate funding be provided.

“As it stands, I am told he has now asked the liquidators to give him a further 48 hours to show proof of funds,” he said.

“Ever since I became involved with the club, I have witnessed first-hand what makes it such a special place: the fans, who show loyal support both home and away in their numbers, the members of staff who work tirelessly around the clock and the rich and proud 140-year plus history of the club.

“It is for these very reasons – and to preserve everything our club stands for – that I will only be prepared to hand over the reins to somebody who can genuinely take us onto the next level.

“There may be some tough and unpleasant decisions that still need to be made in the future, but as in the past, they will be made with the very best intentions for the future of the club and associated businesses.”

Cllr Walsh has also made representation to The Bolton News, outlining his position in the process, branding Anderson's comments as "misleading".

“I am disappointed that Ken Anderson has breached agreed confidences in his chairman’s note in relation to the involvement of Alan Walsh and myself in the sale of his shares in Burnden Leisure,” he said, “His comments are misleading and it is very important to place on record that neither Alan Walsh nor I were acting in our public positions, which are irrelevant to our role in relation to the sale of Burnden Leisure and the football cub.

“Alan and I are lifelong supporters of the football club, having both been supporters for more than 60 years, and our involvement was simply as friends of the football club. Our objective has always been to secure the long-term future of the football club, which is reported to be in grave jeopardy, and to avoid its impending demise.

“In September of last year I had a meeting with Ken Anderson in London at his request. During the course of that meeting Ken told me that if anyone were interested in buying the football club he would be happy to speak with them. He confirmed that he would be happy for me to refer any prospective buyers to him.

“Several interested buyers have approached me over the last 12 months and I have simply introduced them to Ken Anderson. By introducing prospective buyers I have done no more than requested by Ken Anderson, and I have always made it clear that I have no control over the finances of individual buyers but I had been told by the prospective buyers that the necessary funding was available.

“Since Mr Anderson first became involved in Bolton Wanderers he has sought my help on many occasions to introduce him to business contacts on various matters. This help has been freely given by both Alan and I including taking him to a number of important meetings to discuss potential opportunities to develop the Club.

“Neither Alan Walsh nor I have ever received or sought to receive any financial reward for the introduction of prospective buyers and other introductions to Ken Anderson and I reiterate that we have only ever acted, in what we believe, to be the best interests of the Football Club, which continues to be our passion.”