BEN Alnwick intends to lift the mood at Wanderers – regardless of who wins the race to buy the club tomorrow.

One of half a dozen contracted senior players still on the books, the experienced keeper wants to draw a line under the last season’s problems as quickly as possible.

A big step could be taken by this weekend, when administrators select a winning bid from five left available, paving the way for new ownership and – hopes Alnwick – an end to the financial issues which have cast a grey cloud over Wanderers for too long.

Players are due to return for pre-season training in just over a fortnight.

And while there are big question marks over the future of manager Phil Parkinson, and huge holes to fill in the squad, there is also a desire in the dressing room to start again.

“We don’t know who is going to be in charge but I think, as one of the senior players in the group who is under contract, it’s our responsibility to try and keep a positive atmosphere when we get back,” Alnwick told The Bolton News.

“The place has been so negative, for obvious reasons.

“It would be good to enjoy coming into work and to see smiles on people’s faces again. The last time we were in League One we created a lot of good memories.

“People will remember some of the things we achieved that season for a long time.

“Why can’t we take that and have a good go?”

Alnwick believes despite the negative headlines which have circled Wanderers during Ken Anderson’s reign as owner, there is plenty to recommend to new signings about the club.

His own future has been questioned with reports linking him with Charlton, Hull City and Huddersfield Town, although The Bolton News understands Wanderers are in no mood to lose one of their key playing assets with a transfer of control so close.

And while there have been issues to deal with in the last 12 months, the keeper insists players still contracted to the club maintain a strong bond.

“When I first signed for Bolton, I’d spoken to some of the players – mates like Gary Madine – and they had talked about not being paid on time,” Alnwick explained.

“From day one there was a lot of pressure.

“A lot of stuff going on was completely new to me.

“I’d never been at a club which paid late or where there seemed to be so many distractions.

“But I can speak on behalf of the lads, and despite all that they really love the place.”