DEAN Holdsworth hopes to see a swift resolution to ownership issues at Wanderers after confirming his resignation from all positions at the club today.

The former striker was forced to give up his 37.5 per cent share at the Macron Stadium after his company Sports Shield BWFC was wound-up over a £5million-plus debt to finance company BluMarble last week.

Holdsworth had bought the club alongside Ken Anderson in February 2016, with ownership ratified by the EFL a month later, but has had a stormy relationship with his business partner throughout his the 555-day tenure.

Wanderers had been close to administration before his last-minute bid – when Holdsworth proclaimed he had “kept the club’s heart beating”.

But it was with disappointment he announced he had parted ways completely with the club today.

In a statement released to The Bolton News, Holdsworth said: “It is with regret that I announce that I have resigned as a director of Burnden Leisure Limited and Bolton Wanderers Football Club following the liquidation of Sports Shield BWFC Limited. This company was used to acquire shares in Burnden Leisure Limited in March 2016 and is presently co-owned by myself and Ken Anderson.

“As stated at the time of the acquisition, exchanging papers at the court room doors was an emotional experience and something never to be forgotten.

“I was excited and extremely proud by the opportunity to be involved with the club again and the chance to help take the club back to its former glories, thankfully we achieved promotion in the first season and much needed confidence back into the club, for the fans and the people who work so hard behind the scenes.

“Unfortunately, due to well publicised matters out of my control, my involvement in the running of the club has been limited over the past year, but I am pleased to see the club back in the Championship and hope that the ownership issues are swiftly resolved and that the club is able to find an owner with a commitment and the ability to invest the much needed cash in the football club to ensure BWFC's financial stability to compete at this level.

“Thank you to all the people who have given me support and I send my best wishes to the management and staff at the club and the fantastic support from the fans.”

Holdsworth chased hard to buy the club from former owner Eddie Davies in February 2016, eventually entering into a joint venture with Ken Anderson’s company Inner Circle Investments.

He was initially installed as director of football but stepped down from the role last July after a row over his contract.

It was the first of several high-profile run-ins between himself and Anderson, and the 48-year-old withdrew from any day-to-day work at the Macron Stadium.

It was later revealed by the club Holdsworth had entered into an arrangement which saw 10 per cent of the shares transferred to Anderson – although the fact has since been disputed.

Anderson had looked to buy Holdsworth’s remaining stake but failed to come to an agreement. A £5million loan taken out to purchase Wanderers from finance company BluMarble fell into default and eventually led to a winding-up order on Holdsworth’s company, Sports Shield BWFC, last Monday.

Just 555 days after Holdsworth proclaimed he had saved the club and “kept its heart beating,” his official resignation has been confirmed.

"Burnden Leisure Limited can today confirm that with immediate effect Dean Holdsworth has resigned as a Director from all group companies including Bolton Wanderers Football Club," a statement read.

"No further comments in relation to this matter will be made."