Struggling Bolton unable to pay players

Cash-strapped Bolton on Monday revealed it has been unable to pay its players' wages this month and just hours later the Championship's bottom club was held to a 1-1 draw by Brentford.

Neil Lennon's squad has not received its wages for November as the club is currently 172.9 million pounds ($260 million) in debt and desperately seeking fresh investment with owner Eddie Davies no longer willing to bankroll it.

"Bolton Wanderers Football Club can today confirm that the first-team playing squad are yet to receive their wages for the month of November," said a statement from the club.

"This is due to the ongoing situation surrounding the club's ownership off the field."

A consortium led by former Bolton striker Dean Holdsworth is understood to be interested in buying the club.

But, adding to Bolton's current woes, it was unable to improve its chances of avoiding relegation as the draw against Brentford at the Macron Stadium extended its winless run to a dozen games.

John Swift scored the 10th minute opener for Brentford, which was watched by new manager Dean Smith ahead of the official start of his reign on Tuesday following his move from League One team Walsall.

Bolton managed to salvage a point thanks to Neil Danns' equalizer in the 65th minute, yet it remains in a perilous position, four points from safety.

There was also a sign of tension in the squad when television replays appeared to show Bolton substitute Gary Madine verbally insulting Lennon after smashing a shot way off target.

Agence France-Presse

(China Daily 12/02/2015 page22)