Bolton Wanderers: Championship side handed stay of execution to avoid winding up order

The Sky Bet Championship outfit were back in court on Wednesday over an unpaid tax bill but the case has been adjourned until May 8

Bolton have been handed another stay of execution (Getty)

Bolton have been granted a further stay of execution by the High Court as the club look to avoid a winding-up order.

The Sky Bet Championship outfit were back in court on Wednesday over an unpaid tax bill but the case has been adjourned until May 8 to allow a proposed sale of the club to proceed.

This is the sixth time in the last 18 months that Bolton have faced a winding-up petition. The latest one was issued in February by HMRC over debts of £1.2million.

Current owner Ken Anderson had refused to name the prospective buyer, but on Wednesday it was revealed to be former Watford chairman Laurence Bassini.

The club's barrister Hilary Stonefrost told the court: "The prospective purchaser is here."

She added that Bassini, whose controversial tenure at Vicarage Road lasted only 13 months, "has proof of funds".

Mr Bassini declined to comment before he was driven away from the court in a white Rolls-Royce.

PA