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Sam Allardyce has confirmed he would be open to a Wanderers return in some capacity under new ownership.
The Bolton legend, who masterminded the club’s most successful modern era between 1999 and 2007, has ruled out a return to the dugout.
But expressing his concern for the financial problems which have stacked up in recent years, Allardyce said he would assist the right group, if needed, in a boardroom position.
"It's crossed my mind many times," he said on Talksport radio. "That can only be done by the right backers wanting me to do it.
"I don't think I'd ever go back and manage them - I think that's somebody else's job now - but in terms of helping out and running it, yes it would interest me.
"But the first thing for Bolton is not me. The first thing is finding a consortium to take over what is a great club, with great facilities and a fantastic stadium."
Wanderers were given a stay of execution last week when a judge was told debts would be cleared by the time of a second hearing on April 3.
Sources at the club claim a UK buyer is now in the advanced stages of a deal – but after previous bidders, Football Ventures, dropped out at the last minute, concern is understandable.
Secured debt holders now have until 5pm on Thursday to decide whether to place the club into administration and take a 12-point EFL penalty this season, effectively confirming relegation to League One. If they choose to do so afterwards, the penalty will be passed on to the start of next season.
"It depresses me a huge amount," Allardyce.
"From what I'm hearing from within, the real problems are mounting up by the number of debts that Bolton Wanderers are acquiring.
"I hear there are winding-up orders being delivered left, right and centre for debts that are owed, so there's a massive problem at the club that could see them go under.
"That would be an absolute tragedy for the town, the football club and everybody in Bolton."
Source
The Bolton legend, who masterminded the club’s most successful modern era between 1999 and 2007, has ruled out a return to the dugout.
But expressing his concern for the financial problems which have stacked up in recent years, Allardyce said he would assist the right group, if needed, in a boardroom position.
"It's crossed my mind many times," he said on Talksport radio. "That can only be done by the right backers wanting me to do it.
"I don't think I'd ever go back and manage them - I think that's somebody else's job now - but in terms of helping out and running it, yes it would interest me.
"But the first thing for Bolton is not me. The first thing is finding a consortium to take over what is a great club, with great facilities and a fantastic stadium."
Wanderers were given a stay of execution last week when a judge was told debts would be cleared by the time of a second hearing on April 3.
Sources at the club claim a UK buyer is now in the advanced stages of a deal – but after previous bidders, Football Ventures, dropped out at the last minute, concern is understandable.
Secured debt holders now have until 5pm on Thursday to decide whether to place the club into administration and take a 12-point EFL penalty this season, effectively confirming relegation to League One. If they choose to do so afterwards, the penalty will be passed on to the start of next season.
"It depresses me a huge amount," Allardyce.
"From what I'm hearing from within, the real problems are mounting up by the number of debts that Bolton Wanderers are acquiring.
"I hear there are winding-up orders being delivered left, right and centre for debts that are owed, so there's a massive problem at the club that could see them go under.
"That would be an absolute tragedy for the town, the football club and everybody in Bolton."
Source