Bolton’s visit to Nottingham Forest on Sunday may not be their final game of their campaign.
Crisis hit Wanderers could yet face Brentford on Wednesday May 8, with the Football League confirming that rules to allow for games to be played within four days of the end of the ‘normal playing season’.
There had been speculation that Bolton’s home clash with the Bees - which should have been played last weekend, but was postponed due to a strike among the club’s senior players - could be held this coming Wednesday, just a few days before they are due to head to Nottingham to face Martin O’Neill’s side.
But that now seems increasingly unlikely, with such a short time left to make all the arrangements for the game.
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Bolton remain in limbo, as the long-running takeover wrangle between current owner Ken Anderson and would-be buyer Laurence Bassini rumbles on.
The pair have engaged in a public war of words, with Anderson accusing Bassini of failing to provide promised funds, as part of the takeover deal - something the former Watford owner has denied.
In the meantime, wages have gone unpaid at the club, which has inspired the first team squad to go on strike, while the situation remains unresolved.
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Forest are expecting their fixture to go ahead on Sunday, but may find themselves facing a side made up from youth team players, if the strike continues.
And even that could potentially be a patched together side, with Bolton’s Under-18 squad short on numbers and often having had to rely on players from younger age groups.
The Football League have instructed Bolton - who will play in League One next season, with their relegation already confirmed - that they expect both of their remaining fixtures to be fulfilled.
Although in their latest statement this afternoon, they indicated that there is leeway for their game against Brentford to be played next week.
“Discussions have continued with Bolton Wanderers, Brentford and other relevant parties throughout the course of the past 48 hours in regards to the rescheduling of last weekend’s Sky Bet Championship fixture,” said the Football League statement.
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“There has been suggestions in the public domain that that the game could potentially take place on Wednesday 1 May 2019.
“However, Bolton Wanderers has not yet confirmed this will be the case and the EFL will advise via the appropriate channels as soon as a definitive decision is reached.
“EFL Regulations do provide for any match to be played within four days of the end the normal playing season.”
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