CHANCES of a speedy resolution to the player pay dispute at Wanderers could now hinge on club owner Ken Anderson meeting in person with members of the squad.

The Bolton News understands face-to-face talks have been requested with the Whites’ chairman/owner via representatives of the players’ union, the PFA.

With the start of the season now just 24 days away, the squad is keen to sit round a table with Anderson and the coaching staff as quickly as possible to thrash out a resolution to the row which prompted them to strike ahead of last weekend’s friendly at St Mirren.

As we went to press last night, no agreement to meet and negotiate had been reached. The club has made no comment on whether Anderson is currently in the country.

No further strikes are planned and Phil Parkinson’s squad has continued to train as scheduled while the PFA have stepped in as mediators since the start of the week.

A conclusion to the argument – which centres on unpaid bonuses for staying in the Championship last season, appearances and goals, plus the June salary of goalkeeper Ben Amos – looked no closer yesterday as the PFA and its legal team continued to discuss details.

Players issued a statement last Friday claiming they had been put in an “impossible situation” when money which should have been paid into their June pay packet did not appear.

It is claimed within the squad that no warning was initially given that money would be withheld, and that assurances were made that the outstanding money would be forwarded a week later on July 6.

That payment never arrived, as Anderson claims he felt “blackmailed and threatened” when the squad discussed boycotting the St Mirren friendly.

The chairman has since issued warning of punishment for the individuals concerned and requested players to recompense supporters who were left out of pocket at St Mirren. It is also understood Anderson has asked players to issue a full formal apology for their actions.

Wanderers again made no comment on the negotiations when approached.

Saturday’s friendly against Halifax is not under threat and is likely to be the first run-out for first team players this summer, with players given 45 minutes apiece.