THE Bolton Wanderers Supporters’ Trust is in talks to help fund the academy next season.

Following fears the current category two status will be downgraded at Lostock next term to save money, a plan is now being discussed with the trust which could see them provide some funding, initially via player sponsorship.

The Bolton News understands the club is looking to save money on staff wages at the academy, with some staff asked to take a reduction in pay last week.

But following strong support from its members, the trust is now looking to find targeted areas it can provide financial help.

“Following a survey of our members we have found there is a real willingness to help out where we can at the academy and we have discussed the matter with the club’s ownership,” confirmed interim steering group chairman Ian Bridge.

Sixty four per cent of the 1,300 respondents gave their blessing to sponsorship of one or more players at academy level.

Other key findings in the “12th man” survey were that 80 per cent of fans would invest in the club under the trust’s umbrella, similar to Portsmouth or Hearts.

More than 85 per cent of fans expect the trust to be proactive. Forty-one per cent of the respondents feel their initial stance should be passive but that the trust should monitor the club’s actions and report back. A “significant number,” claims the report, also want the trust to adopt a stronger stance and attitude.