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Laurence Bassini walked through the doors at Wanderers for the first time yesterday – and brought back-up as he awaits official confirmation of his takeover.
Though the EFL has yet to confirm he has passed the owners and directors’ test, and have set no exact timeframe on doing so, Bassini began preparing for his new venture yesterday with a series of key meetings at the stadium - arriving in a plush blue Rolls Royce.
Sir Dave Richards, the former Premier League chairman, is also understood to have paid a visit to discuss a potential role as chairman.
Bassini was also joined by Matt Southall, a Manchester-based former football agent who has acted as a middle-man for several parties interested in a takeover at Bolton over the last few years, and who could have a role in the new set-up.
The EFL’s ratification process could well stretch into next week, depending on whether they ask to see further documentation for the business plan put forward.
Players and coaching staff have not yet been paid – but funds were found to settle bills for the emergency services, allowing this afternoon’s game against Aston Villa to go ahead as planned.
Phil Parkinson has not yet had an official meeting with Bassini but urged the town to get behind the new owner in what he hopes can be a more positive future for the club.
“We need to move on, we need to be talking about football again and backing this new owner,” he said. “Hopefully this club can move into a more successful period.
“Everyone around the stadium and the training ground have had that mental strain. We need to wash that out of our heads, so to speak, and do so quickly.
“The lads have been in a much better place and I have liaised with the senior ones. On Wednesday there had been a lot of concern because people were talking about administration but there is a brighter mood now.
“The wages haven’t been able to be paid yet but there is definitely a lift.”
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Though the EFL has yet to confirm he has passed the owners and directors’ test, and have set no exact timeframe on doing so, Bassini began preparing for his new venture yesterday with a series of key meetings at the stadium - arriving in a plush blue Rolls Royce.
Sir Dave Richards, the former Premier League chairman, is also understood to have paid a visit to discuss a potential role as chairman.
Bassini was also joined by Matt Southall, a Manchester-based former football agent who has acted as a middle-man for several parties interested in a takeover at Bolton over the last few years, and who could have a role in the new set-up.
The EFL’s ratification process could well stretch into next week, depending on whether they ask to see further documentation for the business plan put forward.
Players and coaching staff have not yet been paid – but funds were found to settle bills for the emergency services, allowing this afternoon’s game against Aston Villa to go ahead as planned.
Phil Parkinson has not yet had an official meeting with Bassini but urged the town to get behind the new owner in what he hopes can be a more positive future for the club.
“We need to move on, we need to be talking about football again and backing this new owner,” he said. “Hopefully this club can move into a more successful period.
“Everyone around the stadium and the training ground have had that mental strain. We need to wash that out of our heads, so to speak, and do so quickly.
“The lads have been in a much better place and I have liaised with the senior ones. On Wednesday there had been a lot of concern because people were talking about administration but there is a brighter mood now.
“The wages haven’t been able to be paid yet but there is definitely a lift.”
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