LEADING contenders in the Wanderers managerial search want guarantees from the club that there will be no repeat of the financial problems which have blighted the last few season, The Bolton News understands.

Informal talks have been held with representatives who are keen to know exactly what shape Bolton are currently in after its reputation has been tarnished somewhat in recent years.

Wanderers’ new owners, Football Ventures, have steadied the ship since taking the club out of administration last August and there has been no sign of the unpaid wages and bills that become so commonplace under the previous regime.

Despite all that, there remains a degree of apprehension among some of the top names who could be interested in reviving the Whites’ fortunes, leaving those responsible for the manager search to make a case to calm nerves.

Bolton will be under an EFL transfer embargo until the summer of 2021 as a result of going into administration and could yet have to operate within a salary cap, if the league put plans up for a vote in the near future.

Wanderers are also in the midst of a restructure, which will include the academy, and may have to cut some costs in line with other lower league clubs because of the after-effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

But it is understood that Football Ventures are optimistic that they will be able to offer a competitive and attractive package to a new manager with a view to bouncing straight back into League One – and then pushing again for a place in the Championship.

Wanderers will, however, also have to weigh-up the potential compensation packages for candidates already in a job, and that too will be a factor in their selection process.

Wanderers remain tight-lipped on the managerial selection process, or whether they will be holding formal interviews, which would be make it mandatory to speak to at least one ethnic minority candidate as part of the EFL’s recruitment code.

The PFA has already voiced concern this week that it such processes are too often done informally, without an official shortlist, which means clubs are not giving opportunities to BAME candidates.

Wanderers have been contacted for comment.