BOLTON Wanderers’ players are threatening to boycott tomorrow’s EFL Championship fixture with Brentford and the final game of the season against Nottingham Forest if they are not paid by the end of today.

It is understood the dressing room has taken a drastic stance after going 27 days without their salaries – or getting any firm assurances from the club when the situation will be resolved.

The first team squad has issued a statement confirming they intend to go on strike for the rest of the EFL Championship season until they are paid.

“The long running financial crisis at our club has been well documented. As has the fact that we, the playing staff have yet to receive our March salaries.

“Five of our coaching staff are also yet to be paid for March.

“We have endeavoured to continue our training and playing commitments during this extremely difficult time, with seemingly no resolution in sight.

“We thought that the prospective takeover of the club would provide a solution, but difficulties in its completion has left us no further forward.

“This situation is creating mounting mental, emotional and financial burdens for people through no fault of their own.

“The mental pressure has affected some people to the extent that they feel they are unable to perform their jobs sufficiently.

“These are unprecedented circumstances and are affecting every aspect of our lives, placing great strain on ourselves and our families.

“During this time we have remained patient in hope of some explanation but information from the club has been extremely limited and very confusing. What we have been told changes constantly.

“With deep regret we have decided not to fulfil our remaining fixtures unless we are paid.

“We understand that this will disappoint our fans and for this we sincerely apologise.

“We realise this may be seen as drastic action but we feel we have no other options left.

“This decision has not been taken lightly and is not a reaction to this one particular incident.

“We have suffered numerous issues this season, and recent seasons. Brought on by the mismanagement of this club.

“We have been operating in a near untenable environment for some time and it is the accumulation of these issues that have resulted in our decision.”

A press conference with Phil Parkinson at the Lostock training ground was postponed this afternoon but there has been no official comment from the club on the reason.

Wanderers announced on April 17 that a sale and purchase agreement had been signed which saw Ken Anderson’s 94.5 per cent stake in Burnden Leisure Ltd sold to ex-Watford owner Laurence Bassini.

The deal in principle was subject to EFL ratification but Mr Bassini had stated an intention to sort out unpaid wages as quickly as possible, despite not being in official control of the club.

It is understood some club accounts have been frozen - which has complicated the process of paying wages.

Wanderers and the EFL have been contacted for comment.

More to follow…