Ken comes out fighting as Wanderers head back to High Court

Wanderers are due in court this morning over an outstanding £1.2million tax bill, with the frightening prospect of administration or liquidation among the possible outcomes. It is the sixth time HMRC have issued a winding-up order against the club in the last year-and-a-half.

The chairman was granted some grace a fortnight ago having shown the court evidence he was close to a deal to sell the Championship strugglers.

This morning he again heads for the hearing claiming to be near to completing a sale that may earn the club another reprieve.

In yet another period of turmoil since the initial hearing, the March wages for all staff – due last Friday – have yet to be paid, which has led to the first team going on strike.

Industrial action taken by the matchday staff, including stewards and catering staff, means the Safety Advisory Group have issued a prohibition order, meaning no supporters will be allowed into the University of Bolton Stadium for the next two matches, against Ipswich and Middlesbrough.

Anderson has once again addressed supporters, and been heavily critical of the squad’s stance and their collective decision to refuse to attend training.

“Obviously, the players’ decision to go on strike is very disappointing and I would reiterate that in my three years at the club, the staff have only been paid late once and this is only the second time,” he said in his chairman’s notes on the club website.

“Likewise, the players have also only been paid late three times. The reality is that they have always been paid.

“I have read that the players and management staff have said that being paid late does not actually motivate them to go out and perform on the pitch. That is fully understandable but perhaps they could also explain why the results up to Christmas were not exactly impressive either.

“I am not quite sure what the players think striking will achieve.”