Bolton boss Phil Parkinson's "hope" on ownership change

After Wednesday’s High Court adjournment was granted on the promise of a new buyer being put into place and willing to clear existing debts, the mood around the University of Bolton Stadium has been one of curiosity for the last 24 hours.

Insiders at the club have assured supporters that the party said in court to have a “a major stake in a high-level football club” is genuine, however the lack of available information has also given rise to a certain amount of scepticism.

Though well aware Wanderers’ fate is far from secured, Parkinson said emerging from this week without EFL points penalties, or worse, was a welcome boost and one he hoped would lead to a positive outcome.

“I think everybody – myself, players, coaching staff and the supporters – all watched what went on in the court with interest because it was such a big day,” he told The Bolton News.

“The verdict has given everyone a bit of hope that the situation might finally be reaching a conclusion.”

Reports yesterday claimed even the EFL were unaware of the identity of Wanderers’ mystery saviours, adding that there had not been communication between Ken Anderson and the league in 72 hours before the hearing.

The league had pledged to help with the takeover process to minimise the chances of an insolvent event, with chief executive Shaun Harvey adding: “Everybody wants a resolution to this, including it would now appear Ken Anderson, so we are in a position where we will be doing everything we can and certainly won’t be obstacles.”

The chief concern, for now, at Wanderers is the next wage bill, which falls on March 31.

Anderson paid last month’s salaries after a considerable delay but wrote in his webnotes of March 6: “I have decided to continue to financially support the club until someone else comes in.”

Anderson and Wanderers have been given until April 3 by the High Court to complete the sale and pay off debts to HMRC, Macron and Westchurch Homes.