AS the expected exodus kicks into gear at Wanderers David Wheater paid a short tribute to his defensive partner on social media.

One of many players expected to depart the University of Bolton Stadium this summer, Mark Beevers brought his three-year spell with the club to an end, signing a three-year deal at Peterborough United.

And Wheater, his central defensive partner for much of his time at Bolton, provided a parting message on Instagram, marking the end of the ‘Twin Towers’ duo that provided the platform for League One promotion in 2016/17 and a dramatic last-day survival the following year.

“Good luck to my mate the Beev,” the club captain – himself out of contract this summer – posted alongside a snap of the pair, adding: “Some partnership.”

In the Yorkshireman’s first season with Wanderers he played the most minutes in League One across all but one game, scoring seven goals, including a crucial late winner at Southend United during the run-in. With Wheater also contributing nine in 43 games they were both named in the PFA League One team of the Year after a club-record 36 goals conceded in a 46-game campaign.

Few players escaped fans’ criticism last term, over the course of a season that lurched from one low point to the next, but Wanderers won just two matches without their dependable defensive duo in the starting line-up.

The Bolton News understands initial discussions have taken place regarding the punishment awaiting Wanderers next season, for failing to fulfil the fixture at home to Brentford.

The club already faces starting the season on minus 12 points for entering administration but must wait to discover the extent of their additional penalty.

Meanwhile, the Rugby Football League has put contingency plans in place for the Challenge Cup triple-header, scheduled to take place at the stadium next month.

The Whites’ base is to host the event, featuring the men’s teams’ semi-finals and women’s final, on Saturday, July 27.

But RFL members have started drawing up alternative plans in case the financial situation at Wanderers leads to problems with the running of the day’s play.