AS the turmoil at Wanderers has steadily unfurled over the last few days, it has been tough to keep up with events.

Faltering takeover bids, unpaid staff and players, the closure of the training ground, bills owed to police and potential boycotts make for worrying times if you are Bolton supporter.

To try and cut through the copy – here we have a concise summary of what we know so far.

THE TAKEOVER

Up to Friday, the Football Ventures (Whites) consortium, fronted by Parminder Basran and Sharron Brittan appeared close to buying Ken Anderson’s majority stake in the club.

They had been doing due diligence – i.e. conducting a financial investigation into the books – since the previous weekend and had hoped to get the deal done quickly.

Over the weekend, however, it became clear that the consortium were no longer pressing ahead with their effort to buy the club. They remain in contact with the club’s creditors – i.e. the people with money tied up in assets owned by Wanderers – and could yet revive the deal if concessions are made.

Ken Anderson also claims he is in discussion with two other buyers.

STAFF PAY

On Thursday, February 28,  1, all staff at Wanderers woke to find they had not been paid their wages.

Players and coaching staff had been warned late on Wednesday night that problems had occurred but it was not until Friday lunchtime that club owner, Ken Anderson, emailed full-time employees to explain the situation.

The message read: "I write further to my email sent to you last weekend.

"As I informed you then, I had reached an agreement in principle with a buyer to acquire my shares in Burnden Leisure.

"However, they have now informed me that their due diligence and the approval process has taken longer than initially anticipated and completion is not now expected to take place until next week.

"I can confirm that the February salaries will be paid but would ask you for your continued patience whilst I work through the sale process.

"I will endeavour to keep you updated and would expect to write again early next week on the matter.

"I sincerely hope that the buyer can complete the takeover process as quickly as possible so as to avoid any further delays in everyone being paid.

"However, the delay does now enable me to talk to two other parties as well."

The lack of an apology or guarantee when wages would be received angered many staff.

The club has offered small advances to people who have immediate bills to pay and the Bolton Wanderers Supporters’ Trust are also examining options of financial help.

Part-time employees also released their own statement.

“As can be expected morale is low, this is a workforce of worried and upset staff. There has been no information as to what is happening about our wages and jobs and we do not know if we will have enough staff to open the gates on Saturday.

“Some members of staff will attend the match on Saturday and we respect the decision of the other staff that won’t, as is their right.

“Part-time staff had to find out from social media that they are not being paid. There were no apologies, no explanations, nothing! At least the full-time staff had an email on Friday.

“We pray the situation is resolved as soon as possible so we can get our football club’s name out of the mud and get back to supporting players and being there for the wonderful fans of this wonderful football club.”

Caterers, Heathcote & Co have also threatened to pull out if they are not paid what they are owed. It is understood around £250,000 will be necessary to meet their bill, plus pay staff who will be needed on a matchday.

The Bolton News:

TRAINING GROUND

The lack of ready cash at Wanderers has caused problems behind the scenes, and nowhere more than the Eddie Davies Academy at Lostock.

On Monday, the first team were given the day off and the Under-23s were travelling to Crystal Palace – but all other players, coaches and support staff were asked not to report to the training ground because there was no food or power, and the gates were locked.

The training ground runs primarily on diesel generators and a fuel truck did arrive yesterday afternoon to to-up supplies.

It is not currently known, however, what has happened to money which is taken directly from the players’ salaries for food each month.

SEASON TICKETS

Last Friday, many supporters reported that their season ticket Direct Debit had not been taken from their accounts.

The club has been asked repeatedly to explain the situation but have thus far remained silent.

MILLWALL GAME

With stewards and turnstile operators among those who have not been paid, there is legitimate concern that Saturday’s Championship game against Millwall could be affected.

A meeting will be held this morning at the town hall involving club, council, police and ambulance service representatives which should point the way forward.

All the while, season ticket holders who have paid on Direct Debit are waiting to hear from the club if their ticket will be valid.