Gridlock at Bolton

It’s just over two and a half weeks since the season came to an end, but already, any optimism about Bolton Wanderers getting their act together seems to be diminishing by the day.

The most alarming news in the last week is the word going around that the £2.5m of funding promised by Ken Anderson and Inner Circle has not been provided yet.

Without the funding, there is a genuine threat of players’ wages not being paid when they are due at the end of the month.

Anderson told the Bolton News, “There has been no need to provide the funds so far, which are there if required. The players` wages are being paid and there is no concern about the security of the money.”

It is hard whether to take the quote at face value, but it does sort of speak volumes that the club is still under a transfer embargo whereas Fulham, who were also subject to one, had it lifted recently.

While the current squad, with the right manager and structure, arguably has the ability to do well in League One, there is still a pressing need to add to it in certain positions, especially if, no when, there are departures.

Speaking of departures, the Rob Holding rumours have quietened down a little, but the Daily Star (yeah, I know) reported at the weekend that Arsenal were due to offer £1.2m, plus bonuses, and then loan Holding out. The same article claims he only wants to join Arsenal, and not North London rivals Spurs. The lack of attribution to anyone or anything in the Star’s article doesn’t fill it with any authority.

What does seem clear is that we won’t get anywhere near the £7m being thrown about. Holding did make his bow at the Toulon tournament on Monday though, playing the entirety of England’s 7-1 win over Guinea.

Dorian Dervite has been linked a move away too. The Bolton News are reporting interest from KV Oostende, who finished fifth in the Belgian top flight this season, while HITC, who make a cracking smartphone I’m told, have mentioned Belgian and Italian sides, without naming names.

Meanwhile, the search for the next manager goes on. Again, the good old Bolton News have said it is now down to four names, with Peter Reid and Nigel Adkins being the two front runners by all accounts.

Steve Evans also remains in the frame. While still Leeds head coach, it seems obvious his days at Elland Road are numbered, with the Elland Road outfit yesterday approaching Bristol Rovers asking to speak with Darrell Clarke.

With the Scot’s track record, winning promotions with every team he has managed except Leeds (including from League One with Rotherham in 2014) he could end up being the outstanding candidate for the job. But we were meant to have appointed someone weeks ago apparently…