Jack Crosland airs his views on the rumoured takeover
In the late hours of Tuesday night, The Lion of Vienna suite broke the exclusive tale that a mystery former player was behind a takeover bid! At first, this all sounded very sketchy and we have definitely been here before however there seems more truth to this tale compared with all the others. The following morning brought the news that the mystery buyer was ex-Bolton striker Dean Holdsworth! Now, this all sounds lovely but surely the light at the end of the tunnel is too good to be true? As a Bolton fan I have grown sceptical of anything like good news so I was quick to dismiss the rumours… But the story doesn`t end there!
The Bolton News` own Marc Iles confirmed that talks between Bolton Wanderers and Sports Shield Consultancy (i.e. the company that Holdsworth is linked with) at a ‘high level`. Although Iles was keen to dampen any excitement as we`ve ‘been here before` and any investment doesn`t mean a takeover, he couldn`t have accounted for what happened next.. Dean Holdsworth has resigned from his job at Brentwood Town to pursue ‘business interests`.
What exactly Deano`s resignation means isn`t clear but this surely adds some legitimacy to the claims that he is involved in any deal in some capacity? If not it`s the coincidence of the year that a manager who`s started a job well, quits amid rumours he`s taking over a football club (Has that ever happened before?). Could we have finally reached the end of the debt ridden, Phil Gartside infested, 4 year long tunnel?
Imagine a world where Bolton fans could actually be positive, even excited about the future! Madness. Before anyone raises a toast to the ex record signing though, nothing is sorted yet and no doubt we`ve been convinced the end was nigh many times before. Also, whilst trying not to through water on everyone`s bonfire, there is still a lot of confusion what would happen if the deal does go through? What exactly would Dean Holdsworth`s role be? Not forgetting the most important question for many fans: What would happen to Phil Gartside?
Whilst there is still a long, long way to go it`s at least nice to have a bit of positivity around the Wanderers fans. The potential of Bolton Wanderers backed by investors and properly run is a Premier League club. We`ve been there before, and we can be there again! Even if we have to wait longer for the takeover and the Holdsworth deal isn`t successful, this should at least give Bolton fans` a reminder that when the club eventually changes hands there is reason to be excited about our football club again. If Deano is the man to change our fortunes though, he may even be forgiven for THAT FA Cup Semi miss.