THE Bolton Wanderers Supporters’ Trust has sent an impassioned letter to Eddie Davies asking for the opportunity to buy the club.

After a bid from ex-Whites striker Dean Holdsworth’s Sports Shield consortium failed on Wednesday night the trust has stepped forward with a plan backed by local institutions and businesses, and is requesting that they now be made the preferred bidder.

The Bolton News understands that Davies is receptive to the idea of handing over control to a community-based board after expressing reservations about the other offers on the table.

Sports Shield had set a deadline of Wednesday night to be granted a share purchase agreement which effectively set in stone their takeover but when they did not arrive, they have now stepped back to consider their options.

The trust is confident that they have the financial muscle to do a deal despite still being some way from having an organised elected structure.

It could now be that their backers open a dialogue with Davies as the steering group continues to work towards setting up a board, which will be voted for by their 5,000-strong membership.

If successful, it would mean Wanderers fans would own a significant share of club, backed by local money.

A statement released by the BWFCST outlined their plan.

“In line with the trust's objectives and rules, which include 'achieving the greatest possible supporter and community influence in the running and ownership of the club', BWFCST has been in regular dialogue with the club's management regarding its sale.

“We have written to the owner, Eddie Davies. We have expressed our commitment to help lead an acquisition, in conjunction with local institutions and businesses, from whom we have received a very positive response.

“Our objective is to raise sufficient funding to secure the future of the club for the benefit of the supporters, the community and the town. We would not engage with anyone who didn't share our commitment to a community investment.

“We have requested immediate access to management and financial information and preferred bidder status.

“We would make every effort to achieve a solvent purchase, to avoid losses for creditors and a points deduction. This could only be assessed and confirmed once the above access is granted, to enable us to establish the extent and timing of the funding needed.

“If administration proved unavoidable, we would work with the club to make the best of that situation. If we believe that a supporter led takeover is feasible, we will consult with supporters before moving forward with a bid.

“Ideally, we would have started this process once membership fees had been taken, an AGM held and a board voted in, but time is against us and we have had to act now to try to secure the club's future. We continue to take guidance from Supporters Direct, who have 15 years’ experience of helping supporters at other clubs through similar situations.”