The Bolton News chief football writer banned from Wanderers – readers have their say

AFTER watching the match against Leeds United I came away thinking that both Phil Parkinson and the players could not have tried any harder than they did, for which, given the recent situation regarding non-payment of wages and survival bonuses, they should be commended.

However, as a fan who turns up every home game in the hope of being entertained it is clearly evident the current squad just lacks the level of attacking skill, quality and pace that the Championship now requires.

As far as I can see the only short term answer to the financial issues and the quality of the playing staff is additional financial investment.

It is clear Ken Anderson doesn’t have the financial resources required to make Bolton Wanderers either sustainable or competitive at Championship level.

My understanding is that Ken Anderson initially paid £1 for his shares in Bolton Wanderers and then further amounts to acquire Dean Holdsworth’s shares and to gain the overall majority shareholding, plus as he said recently he took on amounts of outstanding debt.

The last point needs further clarification as his recent statement did not make it clear if the debts remain those of the club or whether he’s taken them on personally. Assuming the former I accept that, as business owner, he has been responsible for trying to repay amounts as and when they fall due (however this could spark a whole different conversation).

So with all of the above in mind I would like The Bolton News to ask Ken Anderson one specific question and for him to give a clear public ‘yes or no’ answer.

Whatever the amount Ken Anderson paid for his shares in Bolton Wanderers, would he accept an offer of the same equity investment – and confirm what this amount actually is – plus the repayment of any personal debt he has put into the club and remains outstanding to him if there is a new investor who has greater financial resources than he does? I suspect any outstanding amount is not a significant amount in the world of football.

If yes, please can he make a loud and clear public statement to this effect so that any potential investors, and also importantly the fans, know the position.

This would allow investors to direct their money into benefiting the club rather than simply profiting the current shareholder.

A no would be a loud and clear message that he is willing to maintain the club’s existing challenges for as long as is required to earn himself his desired return on his investment.

As fans we deserve to know the situation. The statements made by Ken Anderson historically are too vague. I’m sure there have been times over the last couple of years that Ken Anderson’s brinkmanship has kept the club going when it might otherwise have failed so maybe we have to thank him as well, as at least we still have a club.

But all most of us fans want is to be able to turn up on a Saturday to enjoy a great game of football, hopefully see our team win, and not to have to read all week about the financial woes of the team we support.

If Ken Anderson can give us, and any potential investors, at least some clarity then perhaps that will be the start of better times to come.

Paul

Bury

GOING back to the 17th century when newspapers were first published in this country, reporting has always been a balancing act between what is fair and appropriate, as against ultimately what is the truth.

Luckily, us here in the UK have always had the benefit of a free press who have been able to probe, press, enquire and, to a point, hold to account those in positions of leadership, power and influence.

You only have to look back at Oscar-winning films like ‘All The President’s Men,’ ‘The Post,’ and ‘Spotlight,’ to see examples of how a free and fair press has held the executive body to account for many years in the free world.

And then along came Trump. And anything he didn’t like reported about him was immediately labelled Fake News.

So fairly esteemed, long-established and respected news-gathering organisations such as the New York Times and CNN find themselves barred from regular White House briefings.

So, back to us here in Bolton. We have Ken Anderson, pictured below, deciding to ban the only effective news organisation that may hold the running of our club to account.

He really thinks he’s so influential he can censor what is or isn’t reported about his endeavours.

Our proud club Bolton Wanderers, one of the 12 founding members of the Football League back in 1888, deserves better than him owning and supposedly running the show.

Please, fellow fans, supporters and well-wishers – get this man out and away from our club. I feel very strongly about this.

Keith Hacking

Blackrod

THANK you for your support of Marc Iles in your recent article. I woke up on Saturday as always to tune in to Matchday Live with Marc, only to be disappointed that Ken Anderson has suspended him from reporting on the club.

I live in North Carolina, and I have been a Bolton fan since I could walk. Marc Iles is my connection to following Wanderers now, especially on match days.

I started going to watch Bolton when I was four years old, attending with my Dad come rain or shine.

We never missed a home game. Part of my childhood was spent in Farnworth, growing up across the street from Tommy and Ralph Banks.

Tommy’s son Lee was my best friend when I was five. The legend Tommy Banks was one of my early Bolton heroes.

When my family moved to Kearsley, I would sometimes ride my bike to Bolton’s practice ground on Bromwich Street to watch the team train, unbeknown to my Mum and Dad as I was only 10.

I was an avid football player growing up, always with a ball at my feet, and dreaming of playing for my beloved Bolton Wanderers.

My athletic career took a different turn, becoming a swimmer and going on to represent Great Britain in both the Montreal and a Moscow Olympics.

Even during those incredible times, I always flew the Bolton Wanderers flag.

I came to university in the US, and always flew the Bolton flag. I continue to do so, no matter what.

My point is, as a fan I’m truly disappointed in Ken Anderson’s decision. Bolton Wanderers belongs to the town, to the fans, to the people who consistently spend their hard-earned money to support their club.

Without the fans we all know there would be no club.

Like many, I genuinely fear for the club. Like Marc Iles I fear for the club. But Ken, part of your job as owner is to engage the fans, not alienate them. Your decision to suspend a writer, a fan, a loyalist of the club in Marc Iles provides the fans with nothing but sad commentary.

It will engage no one, and it will not win you a single new fan. It will only serve to push more fans away at a time when we need them more than ever.

Broad shoulders Ken – you need to be able to take a little stick in tough times, and understand that tough questions, coupled with a little humour, comes with your choice to be an owner.

Ego can be a powerful thing until it stands in the way of reason – it then becomes detrimental.

The Bolton News is your friend Ken, both they and we as fans deserve better.

Do the right thing and remove Marc’s suspension.

Martin Smith

North Carolina