Bolton Wanderers players go on strike due to unpaid wages

As revealed by Marc Iles of The Bolton News, Bolton Wanderers’ friendly against St Mirren tomorrow has been called off, as the players have gone on strike.

A statement released to The Bolton News stated:

“Due to circumstances beyond our control, we as a team have decided with deep regret we will not be playing tomorrow’s game against St Mirren.

“Over the past two seasons we as a club have experienced unprecedented success in first achieving promotion to the Championship, then staying in the league last season.

“This was achieved despite extremely difficult circumstances. All players, current and past, who were contracted to the club have contributed to this success.

“Over the course of the two years on numerous occasions contracted players have not been paid on time. This has culminated in certain players not receiving their June wage.

“On each occasion this has happened we have received no notification or an explanation as to why. We feel this is totally unacceptable after a huge effort from everybody over the last two seasons.

“Regrettably, as a group, this has led to the decision. We unreservedly apologise to any supporters that have made plans to come and watch the game.”

This is not good news. On the surface, it’s a decision that’s inconvenienced the few fans that have/were planning to travel up to Scotland to watch the game.

In reality, this has brought to the public eye a deeper issue within the club.

Just over a year ago, Wanderers were involved in another wage dispute, with bonuses left unpaid. For the whole of the playing squad to go on strike shows just how serious the situation is.

This might explain why recruitment of new players hasn’t been as efficient as most fans expected.

Bolton Wanderers are in desperate need of investment, something this situation has hammered home.

Let’s hope the situation can be resolved quickly and the players can be paid the money they are owed.

What an absolute omnishambles.