The grave situation at financially troubled Bolton Wanderers has taken a turn for the worse after their training ground was closed.
Gates at the cash-strapped Championship strugglers' practice facility were shut on Monday morning thanks to a lack of food, drink and supplies.
Members of Phil Parkinson's relegation-threatened team had the day off but peripheral players and support staff were told to stay away.
Bolton's owner Ken Anderson has put the club up for sale and has suggested a takeover is close.
However, that is yet to materialise and staff have not been paid their February wages, which were due last Thursday.
Sportsmail understands that, in desperation, some of the lower paid members of staff are asking for smaller cash amounts in absence of their salaries to enable themselves to put petrol in their cars and buy food.
One insider said: 'There are others who are trying to get by and who feel too proud to ask, but the longer this goes on, the harder it is getting for them.'
The club are languishing 23rd in the Championship and sit seven points from safety after a 2-0 defeat in Saturday's trip to Swansea.
While the club await a takeover they have been beset by financial difficulties and events hit a new low at the closure of their Lostock training facility.
Bolton declined to comment.