Crisis-hit Bolton have opened an emergency food bank to help unpaid members of staff.
Club employees are being offered fresh food and essentials after going without pay for two weeks.
Food has been donated by local businesses and charities and the Bolton Community Trust will continue to replenish stocks.
The Bolton News has reported that £2,000 of shopping vouchers have also been sent by a local Championship club to distribute among Bolton staff. The club have gone into administration after former owner Ken Anderson withdrew funding and a takeover from ex-Watford owner Laurence Bassini fell through.
Bolton are due back in the High Court on May 22 to face a winding-up hearing. Club chaplain Phil Mason told the Bolton News: “We have tried to offer whatever support we can and that has included trying to get some provisions in order that people can continue to live a normal life. When people talk about football they often associate it with big salaries and luxurious living, but the reality is that many of our staff — as we all do — live within their means. And that becomes very difficult when you have not been paid for a couple of weeks. The reality is that a lot of staff here live day to day, hand to mouth, but the situation means it is impossible to manage.”
Bolton will begin next season in League One with a 12-point deduction after going into administration. They hope the appointment of administrators will ensure the club’s continued existence.
