Cash-strapped crisis club Bolton Wanderers have confirmed they have appointed administrators, meaning they will start next season with a points deduction.
Bolton have been relegated to League One and have been struggling to find a new owner, and will now start life in the third tier with minus-12 points.
A statement on the club website said Paul Appleton and Asher Miller have been appointed as joint administrators of the club, with chairman Ken Anderson continuing to try and sell the former Premier League side.
Appleton said in a statement on the club website: 'This has obviously been a long-running situation and it is vitally important that we quickly establish the position of both the football club and the holding company.
'It has got to the stage where the trust could not sit back and allow the club to go into liquidation. Decisive action had to be taken and the trust believes the decision is in the best interests of Bolton Wanderers.'
'Everybody at the club as well as the supporters need a sense of clarity and that is what I will be seeking to provide as quickly as possible.'
The EFL confirmed later on Monday that Bolton have entered administration and had been docked points accordingly.
A statement read: 'The EFL can confirm that it has been formally notified that administrators have been appointed in respect of Bolton Wanderers Football Club.
'As a result, the Club is now subject to a 12 point deduction and, in accordance with EFL Regulations, the sporting sanction will take effect next season in League One.
'The EFL will now commence discussions with the administrators with the aim of achieving a long-term future for the club.'