Bolton chair Sharon Brittan looks to future after EFL reprieve

Bolton dodged a bullet as they were hit with a five-point penalty, suspended for 18 months, alongside some financial penalties for last season’s cancelled game against Brentford and the postponed match against Doncaster Rovers in August.

The Wanderers chairman gave a dignified response to the decision – which could yet be appealed by the league itself – and urged everyone to get behind the club’s fight for survival in League One.

“We acknowledge the decision made by the panel and are pleased that these matters, which occurred under the previous administrations of the club, have now been resolved,” she said, in an official statement.

“The club was represented by our Legal Counsel and Matthew Bennett from Centrefield LLP whom I must thank for their professional advice and guidance throughout.

“Our collective attention must now be fully focussed on Keith Hill, his staff and players as we look to get as many points as we can to climb the Sky Bet League One table.

“Bolton Wanderers supporters and staff have shown tremendous patience and passion throughout and we are now looking forward to working together to continue the rebuilding of this great football club.”

The EFL have confirmed that the Doncaster game will be rescheduled as soon as possible.

A total of £70,000 in fines has been handed out for the two games, £35,000 of which will also be suspended.

The news has not gone down well among Wanderers’ rivals in League One and the EFL has also stated that it reserves the right to appeal the independent panel’s decision.

A statement from the league read: “An independent Disciplinary Commission, appointed under EFL Regulations, has ruled that Bolton Wanderers will be handed a sanction of five points, suspended for 18 months, and a financial penalty as a result of being deemed guilty of breaching EFL Regulations in failing to meet its fixture obligations.”