Talk of a takeover of Bolton Wanderers by a Thai consortium has been played down by the club’s manager Neil Lennon.
Reports had surfaced in the past week of entertainment conglomerate BEC-Tero and local sports media giant Siam Sport Syndicate launching a joint £40million bid for the club.
Despite the club finding themselves in large amounts of debt Lennon has cast doubt over the claims by insisting he ‘knows nothing about it’.
“I can’t talk on hypothetical situations,” the Northern Irishman said. “Phil [Gartside, the club chairman] came out yesterday and talked it down which is good enough for me.
“I’m sure all clubs would look forward to nice investment coming in as long as it’s the best thing for the club going forward.
“I know nothing about it and it will be a decision completely taken out of my hands by the board. I have no worries about it whatsoever.”
It is understood that talks had taken place several months ago between Wanderers and BEC but that there has been no further progress since.
Davies and Gartside have indicated that the club could be sold if a suitable offer and buyer were to come forward.
Talks have taken place with investors at home and abroad but have yet to reach the stage where an agreement has been put in place.
BEC director Bryan Marcar had previously been quoted as saying that the Lancashire club were an attractive prospect for potential investment.
“I must admit I have a close relationship with the club’s president,” Marcar told Nation newspaper.
“The club has plenty of property, and most importantly, they have their own stadium, hotel and football academy.
“In terms of their financial status, they made profits between 2004 and 2006, but suffered losses since then, with their debt now standing at £150m.
“However, the club is willing to address this situation and they’re quite ready in almost every aspect.
“That will help us benefit in many ways, especially when it comes to Thai players playing in England.”
If the deal were to go through, Bolton would become the third Thai-owned English club after Premier League side Leicester City and Bolton’s Championship rivals Reading.
Main image courtesy of Bolton Wanderers FC via YouTube, with thanks.
