Bolton staff under 'severe mental and emotional stress' as club 'fails to pay players for 20 weeks'
Bolton players ‘need support’ as the former Premier League club have reportedly failed to pay them in more than four months.
The unpaid staff have issued a statement referencing the ‘severe mental and emotional stress’ they claim to have suffered as a result.
After reporting back at the League One club for pre-season, they found their training facilities locked up.
A joint statement from the players and coaches said: "The players and coaching staff have not been paid by the club for 20 weeks and the administrators have not offered any financial assistance.
“It is our understanding that there are sufficient funds to provide financial help immediately, but there has been none.
"As we have stated in a previous statement, all this has caused severe mental and emotional stress, affecting both our professional and personal lives, and this has now only increased.
“Certain individuals are in need of support and none has been forthcoming from the club.
"With the new season looming, it is becoming impossible to prepare correctly for the challenge ahead. Contracted players and staff have returned to what they hoped would be a resolved situation and a fresh start for everyone.
"They have undertaken their duties and obligations with diligence and professionalism but how long is it reasonable for us to do so without being paid?"
Bolton were set to play Chester in a friendly before the arduous League One season begun.
But they were forced to cancel the fixture - which Chester confirmed in a statement.
It said: "Chester Football Club can confirm that Friday's planned pre-season friendly at the Deva Stadium against Bolton Wanderers has now unfortunately been called off.
"The first team players of Bolton Wanderers Football Club made a statement earlier today.
"We apologise for any inconvenience caused, and wish the players, supporters and staff at Bolton Wanderers the best of luck as they search for a resolution in a difficult time for their great football club."
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