THE EFL have repeated their claim that Wanderers owner Ken Anderson does have the cash to see out the season.

Financial problems have stacked up at the University of Bolton Stadium of late and players have now gone without pay for the last 16 days.

In three weeks the club will be back at the High Court to defend a winding-up petition from HMRC – before which another salary run is due for April.

EFL chief Shaun Harvey met with the Bolton Wanderers Supporters’ Trust on Monday to address concerns, with the league later issuing a statement.

“We hope that the meeting has provided some additional clarification into what is a challenging situation for fans of the club,” it read.

“Our overriding objective is to ensure the long-term sustainability of all EFL Clubs, including a strong Bolton Wanderers. The Regulations we have in place are to assist in that regard while ensuring we have appropriate Governance measures to protect the integrity of our competitions.

“Reputational damage remains a key concern for the League, its clubs and football in general and we are committed to working with all relevant stakeholders to ensure appropriate solutions can be found to deliver against our stated objective.

“We continue to offer the club whatever practical assistance we can in regard to the sale but that ultimately is a matter for the current owner. As soon as we receive confirmation that a deal is to be done, we will act to ensure the process is completed as quickly as possible. There is currently no delay on the EFL’s part.

“The EFL clarified the point made in its February 2019 response to the Trust where it stated that the EFL ‘remain satisfied the Club has the source and sufficiency of funds to meets its obligation as a member of the League until the end of the season.’ The EFL remain of that view.”

The EFL’s view was met with considerable derision among Bolton fans who had gathered for a meeting at the stadium on Monday night.

“The EFL regard themselves as a competitions organiser, not a regulatory body. It’s a private members club,” said Bolton Wanderers Supporters’ Trust board member Roger Allanson.

“Shaun Harvey takes the view that all 72 members are needed and wants to see a strong competition, and a strong Bolton Wanderers, which is fair enough.

“Everyone in this room seemed suitably amazed that the league feel the club has the source and sufficiency of funds to meet its obligations as a member of the league.

“It leads us to the conclusion that if the EFL is satisfied there is money here, via Mr Anderson and his companies, that he is choosing not to pay and to meet his obligations.

“Sadly people’s livelihoods are being affected. It is to the disgrace of us all. It’s tragic.”

Wanderers' players can now give a 14-day notice period on their contract before being able to walk away for nothing.

It is understood that no first team players have yet taken that decision as they wait for news from owner Ken Anderson on when they will be paid.