Bolton players go on strike over unpaid wages and refuse to play final two games

Bolton's players have gone on strike and told the club that they will refuse to play their remaining Championship fixtures until their wages have been paid.

Players have still not received their salaries for March and are due to be paid April's wages on April 30 but there appears to be no sign that this will happen.

This is not the first protest the players have launched and earlier this month they refused to train for 48 hours after March wages went unpaid.

Bolton, already relegated from the Championship, are due to play Brentford on Saturday and Nottingham Forest on May 5.

A statement from the Bolton players said: 'The long running financial crisis at our club has been well documented. As has the fact that we, the playing staff have yet to receive our March salaries.

'Five of our coaching staff are also yet to be paid for March. We have endeavoured to continue our training and playing commitments during this extremely difficult time, with seemingly no resolution in sight.

'We thought that the prospective takeover of the club would provide a solution, but difficulties in its completion has left us no further forward.

'This situation is creating mounting mental, emotional and financial burdens for people through no fault of their own. The mental pressure has affected some people to the extent that they feel they are unable to perform their jobs sufficiently.

'These are unprecedented circumstances and are affecting every aspect of our lives, placing great strain on ourselves and our families.

'During this time we have remained patient in hope of some explanation but information from the club has been extremely limited and very confusing. What we have been told changes constantly. With deep regret we have decided not to fulfil our remaining fixtures unless we are paid.

'We understand that this will disappoint our fans and for this we sincerely apologise. We realise this may be seen as drastic action but we feel we have no other options left. This decision has not been taken lightly and is not a reaction to this one particular incident.

'We have suffered numerous issues this season, and recent season. Brought on by the mismanagement of this club. We have been operating in a near untenable environment for some time and it is the accumulation of these issues that have resulted in our decision.'

Former Watford owner Laurence Bassini agreed a deal to buy Bolton earlier this month, subject to English Football League approval.

Bassini is understood to have paid a nominal amount to Ken Anderson for shares in Burnden Leisure up front and has vowed to clear up outstanding bills, including players and coaching staff wages.

Anderson, who is in the US, had considered placing the business into administration.

'Significant funds' will be made available to pay outstanding wages and long-term creditors, a statement said.

In 2013, Bassini was given a three-year ban from being involved in a position of authority with any EFL club.

A club statement said: 'Bolton Wanderers Football Club are delighted to announce that a sale and purchase agreement has been signed which will see Ken Anderson's shareholding in Burnden Leisure Limited being sold to Mr Laurence Bassini.

'This agreement will give Laurence Bassini full control of Burnden Leisure Limited and of course both Bolton Wanderers Football Club and Whites Hotel.

'The change of ownership requires approval by the English Football League before the deal can be finalised. The financial terms of the transaction will remain private and confidential between the parties.

'We are sure supporters will be very pleased to understand that as part of the transaction, all of the existing loans to the club will be settled in full and the associated charges removed, meaning the business will be debt free for the first time in many years.'

Outgoing chairman Ken Anderson said: 'I am very pleased to hand over ownership of this great club to Laurence, I wish him and all of our supporters the very best for the future.'