Concerning the team’s threat of liquidation, administrator Paul Appleton, said that the future of the club is “is still in doubt” but hopes there will be a “positive outcome” before today’s deadline set by the EFL.

The EFL has given the club until 5.00pm today to prove that a deal has been struck, or provide sufficient reasons why they require an extension, otherwise, a notice for their formal withdrawal from the league will be issued.

A deal to sell the team to preferred bidders Football Ventures collapsed on Saturday morning, despite the deal being essentially agreed hours before. Appleton had then warned on Monday that he would start closing down the club on Wednesday.

Bolton will then still have 14 days to provide proof of funds in order to prevent expulsion if they fail to meet the deadline, but its assets will start to be sold off on Wednesday, which will almost ensure that 150 or more jobs will be lost.

Paul Appleton also said on Monday: “The club is currently not in a position to carry on trading and, as such, the process of closing down the company will commence on Wednesday.”

He added: “Unless there is a change of position from any of the parties involved, the process of closing down the club and ultimately placing Bolton Wanderers into liquidation will begin this week.”