Bolton Wanderers' gradual slide towards extinction took another precipitous jump today after officially going into administration. Moreover, they will face a 12-point deduction when they begin next season's campaign in League One.
In a statement released on their website this afternoon, the club said that they hoped the appointment of administrators would "ensure the continued existence of the club, one of the founding members of the Football League."
But it's far from the end of a bumpy road for the club.
The club are due back in the country's High Court next week over a winding-up petition which has been previously adjourned.
There has been a downcast atmosphere surrounding the club all season, which culminated in their last fixture of the season against Brentford being called off. This was due to a strike, organised by the players as a result of not receiving wages for the months of March and April.
Last week, the club were in court over an unpaid £1.2million tax bill.
In the statement on the club website, administrator Paul Appleton said:
This has obviously been a long-running situation and it is vitally important that we quickly establish the position of both the football club and the holding company.
It has got to the stage where the Trust could not sit back and allow the club to go into liquidation. Decisive action had to be taken and the Trust believes the decision is in the best interests of Bolton Wanderers.
Everybody at the club as well as the supporters need a sense of clarity and that is what I will be seeking to provide as quickly as possible.
