Sports Shield complete Bolton takeover

It was confirmed this morning that the Sports Shield consortium had finally completed the purchase of Bolton Wanderers for £7.5 million.

The consortium is led by former Bolton player Dean Holdsworth who is expected to take up the role of Chief Executive. Holdsworth is somewhat of a cult hero at Bolton after he scored 39 goals in 158 appearances for the club over a six year period.

The Trotters have had a torrid season both on and off the pitch. They are currently £172 million in debt, under a transfer embargo and sitting at the bottom of the Championship table.

The club also face a winding up order over an unpaid tax bill thought to total around £2.2 million.

Former owner. Eddie Davies is expected to become Honorary President. He told the club’s official website, “It has been an honour to have initially been on the board of directors and then majority shareholder of the club I have supported all of my life

“From 11 years in the top flight and seeing us topple some of the Premier League‘s greatest teams down the years, to two successful UEFA Cup campaigns, my memories will last a lifetime. Together we have had some great experiences and we should embrace our wonderful history.

“Recently, we have gone through what has been a challenging period both on and off the field, but we now hope that we can once again move our great football club forward.

“I of course wish Dean Holdsworth, Ken Anderson and the Sports Shield consortium all the very best and thank the supporters for their loyalty and continued backing of the club.”

Meanwhile Holdsworth told the club’s official website, “We very much hope that we can build on the continued support of a club steeped in history for many years to come.

We will not give up the fight of maintaining our Sky Bet Championship status. We believe we have a group of excellent players to work with and we hope that today’s news will give everyone a lift, both on and off the pitch.”
Bolton are currently ten points adrift from safety following Tuesday’s dramatic 2-2 draw at home to Ipswich. Neill Lennon’s side face Lancashire rivals Preston at the Macron Stadium on Saturday.