FANS groups for both Wanderers and Bury say they plan to appeal point deductions imposed on the clubs in League One this season.

The Bolton Wanderers Supporters’ Trust and Forever Bury have issued separate statements to say they will appeal the EFL sanctions, which were applied according to league regulations.

Wanderers went into administration on May 13 and the Shakers agreed a CVA on Thursday to rationalise their heavy debts. Both are seen as ‘insolvency events’ by the EFL and are subject to the same punishment.

Wanderers have been docked 12 points and could face further penalties for failing to fulfil a fixture against Brentford last season.

The BWFCST appealed for fans’ help a few months ago in a ‘fighting fund’ and say they will be in a position to challenge any decisions.

“All Bolton Wanderers fans and the wider Bolton community are naturally extremely concerned as the ownership of our club is still unresolved and the season just over two weeks away,” a statement read.

“Our story has been widely documented and as all will now be well aware, this is a hugely complex situation. “We have been working hard behind the scenes with our legal representatives, Verisona Law, since the administration process was triggered to engage and maintain dialogue with all parties involved in this process including Football Ventures, Rubins, Quantuma and the EFL and to seek updates and clarification on progress of the sale of both the club and hotel and the points deduction which the trust would like to challenge on behalf of the club and the new owners.

“For a variety of reasons, including confidentiality agreements being in place, information has been difficult to obtain, but we will continue to ask.

“It is again distressing to hear of the cancellation of the Chester game and the statement issued yesterday afternoon by Paul Appleton (Rubins) attempts to give some update as to the ongoing delays.

“We would, however, endorse the words at the end of Mr Appleton’s statement which are: “Football Ventures’ ownership model, one supported by the EFL, is based on a deal for both the club and hotel, so I would encourage all parties involved to act swiftly to ensure the pressing timeframe for completion is met.

“I would implore everybody to drive through this deal and ensure this great football club is restored to its rightful position.”

“Time is very much of the essence and we would urge all parties to look to the greater picture and put the very existence of BWFC at the heart of their negotiations.”

The EFL confirmed Bury’s 12-point punishment yesterday, adding that they have seven days to launch an appeal. A similar statement was released by the league on May 13 pertaining to Wanderers’ administration but did not include a right to appeal the 12 points.

“Following receipt of notice that the Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) has been passed in respect of Bury Football Club, the EFL can confirm that the Club has now suffered an insolvency event and will be subject to a 12-point deduction,” the statement read.

“In accordance with EFL Regulations, the sporting sanction will take effect immediately and the Club will start the League One season on minus 12 points. The club has seven days to appeal.

“The EFL will now continue its discussions with the club’s ownership with the aim of achieving a long-term future for the club.”

Forever Bury added: “As a result of the Bury Football Club proposed Company Voluntary Agreement (CVA) being passed today, the EFL have released a statement saying that because the club has now entered an insolvency event, the club now faces a sporting sanction in the form of a 12-point deduction applicable from the start of the 2019-20 season. It is also stated that the club has seven days in which to lodge an appeal against this sanction.

“Forever Bury believe there are mitigating circumstances on which an appeal may be based. Therefore, Forever Bury are taking steps to determine the procedure on how to progress such an appeal on behalf of the supporters.”