Bolton Wanderers’ takeover, which has been in the balance since the weekend, has finally been completed, the new owners Football Ventures (Whites) Limited have announced in a statement.

There were fears that the Trotters could join Bury in being expelled from the EFL but were given an additional two weeks to resolve the issues which had previously prevented the takeover from being concluded.

From a Town perspective, Bolton’s survival means the Blues’ 5-0 victory at the University of Bolton Stadium on Saturday remains on the books and Town stay top of League One on goal difference from four other sides.

The new owners’ statement on Wanderers' official website reads: “We are privileged to announce that negotiations to transfer the ownership of Bolton Wanderers Football Club and Whites Hotel are over and we have formally completed.

“Throughout this lengthy and complicated process, we have remained focused on completion of the deal and nothing else.

“At times it has been difficult to keep our counsel but we took a decision to remain on the sidelines even when further damage was being inflicted by delays outside of our control.

“Our thoughts were always with the club staff and supporters and we worked tirelessly behind the scenes to find an agreement and prevent even more stress and uncertainty for those who have suffered far too much over the past months.

“Now we are excited to begin restoring this magnificent football club to its rightful position, securing its future for the fans, the loyal club staff, and the players.

“We are thankful to the EFL for their willingness to support our efforts along with the PFA.

"We would also like to thank the University of Bolton and Bolton Council for their backing and Bolton Wanderers Supporters Trust for its understanding.

“We understand [former manager] Phil Parkinson and [assistant] Steve Parkin’s decision to leave the club. They have behaved impeccably and loyally and we wish them both nothing but the best for whatever the future may hold.

“It is now imperative that we commence the process of appointing a manager and strengthening the team with the right players to take the club forward.

“The true spirit of this football club rests with the fans, it is nothing without them. The support shown to the players during this season’s opening fixtures has been overwhelming.

“It would be remiss of us not to say how saddened we are at the devastating news from our neighbours at Bury FC. Our hearts go out to the fans and the community.

“Now the deal is complete, please be assured we intend to do all within our power to bring back a true sense of pride to Bolton Wanderers Football Club, which is the least the staff, fans, future generations of supporters and the community deserve.”

Debbie Jevans CBE, the EFL's executive chair, said: "On behalf of the EFL board, I am pleased that the administrators appointed in respect of Bolton Wanderers Football Club have today concluded the transfer of assets with Football Ventures to place the club under new ownership and out of administration.

"Having worked closely with the administrators since their appointment in May, the EFL has been focused on working through this difficult and complex period of uncertainty with all parties.

"Following the completion of the sale, the club is no longer in administration and the notice of withdrawal issued as per the EFL’s insolvency policy has been cancelled.

"These past few months have undoubtedly been challenging and, at times fraught — never more so in the past few days - and I would like to thank all parties for their efforts in achieving the desired outcome.

"I would also like to place on record my grateful appreciation and thanks to the players, former and present management, staff and supporters for their patience and understanding in allowing us to get to this point.

"Everyone at the EFL is now looking forward to working with the new ownership during the 2019/20 campaign and beyond."

Following Bury's expulsion, Bolton are 23rd and last in League One on -11 points having been docked 12 after going into administration. They could be deducted further points for postponing last week's home game with Doncaster due to welfare concerns relating to their players without consulting the EFL or their opposition.

Photo: Action Images

Dissboyitfc added 06:59 - Aug 29 bluearmy81 give it a rest! have you not seen whats happened to Bury? there are good owners and poor owners. Evans is not that bad, can you just get behind the team and support it! We could get promoted and then we will be more saleable. Be grateful we still have a team! I would rather us build a team utilising our youth system with the odd signing than spending beyond our means, done that before and it cost us, dont think we have ever really recovered from administration! COYB's

3

Lukeybluey added 08:03 - Aug 29 Bluearmy 81 is fun at parties.
1

ITFCsince73 added 08:30 - Aug 29 Yes blue army give it a rest......it's now normal for Town support to make various comparisons to teams/clubs such as Bury. “Look at Bury fc” they cry....we maybe top of L1 for now. But how many years will now pass before we can up our comparisons to maybe Bournemouth or Crystal Palace? We really are in a weak place, potentially 2 games away from mid table L1. Which, going by squad investment over last 36 months, is about our correct current level. While we are top, everyone will be happy....just as they was a few years back, when the 1st 4 or 5 games see us unbeaten. Only for chronic lack of squad investment to even things out.

0

Barty added 08:55 - Aug 29 Great news for Bolton and indeed us. Feel really sorry for Bury - terrible shame. Agreed that ME does have his critics [ myself included at times ] but at the moment I feel we should be very grateful and I believe that with our players [ old and new ] and the ones who will be returning from injuries we have a strong squad for this league and have every chance of promotion straight back to the championship. Really looking forward to Saturday [ 3-1 win my prediction ]. COYB.

1

rabbit added 08:56 - Aug 29 ITFCsince73 you are quite right it is silly for ITFC supporters to compare our potential situation with Bury, who were elected to the football league some 40 odd years before ITFC and played at one of the worlds oldest grounds, and as you helpfully pointed out to someone on another thread have won the FA Cup more times than ITFC. Lets then compare ITFC to Bolton who have spent a large part of this century in the Premier League and will almost certainly be relegated to the fourth tier this season, only because they were saved at the eleventh hour, we can only hope that when ME has finally had enough of the vitriol and libel leveled at him by some of the irrational few there is someone to pick up the pieces, unlike in Bury's case.

0

ITFCsince73 added 09:21 - Aug 29 Rabbit. I would like to think, after being owned by an ultra business successful billionaire for approaching 15 years. We would at some point very soon, be a self funding club. But it would appear there's still much to be done. Even the most smallest of things we still can't get right. The 2 home games I've been to this season, the in stadium catering situation still hasn't been resolved. We still have kiosks running out of produce before the game, let alone at half time. The very smallest things, the club still can't get right. And money continues to be lost because of these small things. Come on ME, give your customers better match day service, at the very least. Then just maybe the club can one day soon be self funding.

3

brassy added 09:46 - Aug 29 Good news bolton remember some great games against them.
1

rabbit added 10:09 - Aug 29 I totally agree with you ITFCsince73, the aim has to be self funding and the sooner the better, and I agree that as a proven highly successful businessman ME must have this at the top of his aspirations. Hopefully the current regime at PR buy into this and start to take their share of the responsibility. You are quite right such minor things as the catering all go to contribute and that was an area that ME came out and said was going to be improved and it has not. The absurd pricing the inefficient staffing and as you rightly say the amount of stock running out very quickly. Whilst catering is not a problem to me it is all part of the match-day experience for so many and frankly ME needs to hold someone accountable and as far as I can see the blame lies solely with the concessionaire.,

2

BerlinBlue added 10:34 - Aug 29 Great news about Bolton. Looks like they may well have to make their way back up from League Two, but at least they survive. Feel greatly for Bury and its fans.
1

ITFCsince73 added 11:09 - Aug 29 Your correct Rabbit, ME has mentioned this catering problem. This was some time back, still not resolved, although could be improved 80% in tomorrow mornings catering staff meeting. I call it a very small issue, when In fact it's a huge one. Both as a revenue stream, and providing a better match day experience for your paying customers, in turn encouraging new paying customers to pay a visit to a game. Makes me wonder how ME, runs other areas of the club..... A quick email to the clubs catering manager from him would all but solve the above. In time for Shews Saturday. Stand behind 10 people in the queue, and 5 walk away without spending, because they can't get what they want. 1000,s just don't bother trying, because they know it will be long queues, run out of stock, or criminal prices charged. I don't pretend to run a business, but how hard can it be...

2

Bluearmy_81 added 11:34 - Aug 29 Nothing libelous from me Rabbit, I merely state the truth. MARCUS EVANS HAS BEEN A TOTAL FAILURE FOR ITFC, I'd love to see him try to sue me for that 😂🤣 On evidence it would be laughed out of court. If lowest ebb in 62 years isn't failure, I don't know what is. Wake up man, you'd still back him if we were 2 leagues lower!!😂🤣
-1

rabbit added 12:48 - Aug 29 The fact is ME wouldn't bother himself to sue anyone, however in the strict sense of the word you have libeled him by accusing him of asset stripping, although to be fair to you, as with so much of your written comments in this forum, you did not know what it meant and have since stopped saying it, once I had pointed out your mistake. The kids on your facebook page regularly libel him but again generally they are under age so not much to do about that although as an administrator I guess you could be personally considered culpable. I think what I and so many others on this site really dislike about your on going churlish rants is that you are on record as saying that the Ipswich fans are awful and so no one actually knows why you even bother to associate yourself on this site.

1

rabbit added 12:58 - Aug 29 Again I agree with your points ITFCsince73, although I doubt it could all be solved by Saturday, logistics in relation to stock control etc. but your point is well made. I also agree that it may seem a small thing but the potential revenue lost is quite substantial and could go a long way toward an overall improved maintenance routine, it must also be so off putting to the less committed supporter and as such we will be getting less through the gates than we could. All in all quite poor and really does need addressing.

2

dirtydingusmagee added 13:07 - Aug 29 Bluearmy ''its an embarrassment even being there,'' really ? how often do you have to suffer that as you are in Liverpool i believe . We all know how you feel [you remind us every post regardless of what the thread is about . At first i sypathised with your feeling , and i agree Evans is not the man to run the club to progress . But i m beginning to think you need help.

0

Barty added 13:39 - Aug 29 Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. Last season was disastrous and we are now in League 1 [ not what we want but that's how it is ] but lets look at things as they stand at present [ albeit early days ] - we are top of the league and averaging 21500 home attendance. Could be a lot worse me thinks !!
0

Bluearmy_81 added 13:49 - Aug 29 Rabbit you have no idea what anyone says in the Facebook group so please stop LYING!! Thanks. Just because we have a prolific liar for a PM you don't have to model yourself on him. 👍🏻
-1

dirtydingusmagee added 15:14 - Aug 29 ha ha ha , now Boris is it , priceless .
1

rabbit added 17:06 - Aug 29 Absolute credit to you bluearmy_81, you have not denied that you don't know what you are talking about or that or that you think Ipswich fans are awful. However you are wrong in assuming that I don't know what is happening on your facebook page. As a Psychologist yourself you know exactly how to manipulate all those young minds, it is often referred to as "Stockholm Syndrome"

0

MurcianITCC added 04:50 - Aug 30 BA81, still waiting an answer from you regarding your proposed future after your FB page drives the owner out.
1

rabbit added 07:40 - Aug 30 Too difficult for him MurcianITCC he will pretend he's not read it and ignore, you will need to ask again on the next topic he goes live with!
0

Skip73 added 11:30 - Aug 30 BA81;;; zzzzzzzzz
1

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls