Bolton players speak to Ken Anderson over pay problems

Four members of Phil Parkinson’s squad will hold a conference call with the Monaco-based chairman ahead of tomorrow’s game against Wigan Athletic.

All staff at Wanderers were told by email on Thursday evening that wages were not guaranteed to be in accounts the following morning – with manager Parkinson confirming to his players yesterday evening that they would definitely not be paid.

It is understood, however, that another email was then sent out at lunchtime today to confirm that administration and hotel staff would be paid by close to business today.

Parkinson addressed the situation in his pre-match press conference, confirming: “The lads and the staff have not been paid – the office staff will be paid later today.

“I spoke to Ken last night and three or four of the lads will be talking to Ken this afternoon. They want to ask him when they are going to get paid, not just for themselves but also for the staff around the training ground.

“I am sure Ken is working to resolve the situation.

“We had a meeting with the players today. Some of them have been here a long time and so they are used to this kind of thing cropping up but we had a good chat to the lads about what we need, and that’s professionalism going into the game tomorrow.”

Parkinson brought his squad in for a meeting this morning at the training ground to ask them to try and put their pay problems to one side for tomorrow’s local derby.

But the Bolton boss admits the issue has cast a shadow over his preparations for an important match.

“I have to be honest and say we could do without it – no-one wants this on the eve of a big game,” he said.

“However, we understand the problems the club face and we have to deal with it.

“The lads are good and those who came to see me this morning were asking right away about the staff. It’s nice that they are concerned. It’s a good side.

“It is not ideal but we need to make sure we block it out going into tomorrow’s game.”