WANDERERS fans have been asked to contribute to the Supporters’ Trust’s ‘Fighting Fund’ to help cover costs during a potential administration.

Reaction to the trust’s announcement that a share issue could soon be launched to help save the club has been positive – with more than 200 people getting in touch to register their support.

Regulations of the EFL ensure that if an administrator is appointed at Bolton, they must talk with the trust board immediately.

That guarantee has enabled the trust to bring together various parties with a view to securing the club if admin is triggered. Identities of the individuals or business involved are, as yet, unknown – but the fighting fund has now been launched as a ‘piggy bank’ to help fund costs for legal advice or, potentially, barristers.

More than £4,000 has already been donated to the fund.

The trust has also vowed to fight any potential points penalties which are imposed by the EFL for the failure to fulfil a home game against Brentford, which will be decided by an independent panel in the coming weeks.

The money raised will NOT be used to bid for the club in administration. The mainstay of any potential offer to an administrator would come via high net worth backers and/or via the CIC share issue.

A statement released by the trust read: “Further to our announcement yesterday in which we appealed for supporters to register interest in a share issue in the Bolton Wanderers Supporters Community Interest Company (BWSCIC), we are massively encouraged by the passion and enthusiasm being shown for such an initiative, with many registering interest and support.

“As Wednesday’s hearing comes ever closer, we are now in the process of launching a Fighting Fund crowd-funding page which we are looking to have online in the next 24 hours. The purpose of this Fighting Fund will be to raise emergency and immediate funding to cover the associated costs that will arise in the Supporters’ Trust dealing with an administration of the club.

“This fund will cover legal costs, contribute to any shortfalls in funding an administration and to cover costs that will undoubtedly be incurred in making representation to the EFL in the event that they look to impose any unfair penalties as a result of recent events. This will be vitally important in looking to next season and the start of the BWFC rebuilding exercise.

“For the avoidance of doubt, any contributions made towards the Fighting Fund will be completely independent of the BWSCIC planned share issue which we are developing at this very moment. Further details of this share issue will be announced over the next few days, but contributions to the Fighting Fund will not include any shareholding in the club. Use of the Fighting Fund will be carried out at the absolute discretion of the BWFCST board.

“We will be looking to update on a daily basis as the future of our club unfolds. Please help wherever you are able and let’s work together in ensuring BWFC are in a better position to face League One this coming August with a new owner and a realistic and affordable business plan.”

The prospect of a share issue has met with a good response, with the trust adding: “If there is an appetite among supporters and the 5.5 per cent balance shareholders of Burnden Leisure Ltd and, indeed, the wider Bolton community for seeking to own the club, we are able to offer shares in the Community Interest Company.

“The more showing their support for such an initiative, the better our chances of saving our club.”

The crowdfunding page can be found here

To register your interest in a share issue email enquiries@bwfcst.co.uk or visit the BWFCST official website.