Burnden Aces

Bolton Forced to Postpone League Clash With Doncaster

• August 19, 2019 | By Chris Mann
• Short URL: http://b-ac.es/29eb2

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• Doncaster Rovers, League One, Paul Appleton
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Tuesday's League One clash between Bolton and Doncaster Rovers has been postponed over 'welfare' concerns of Wanderers players.

Having opened the season with a 2-0 defeat at Wycombe Wanderers, the Trotters fielded their youngest ever team the following weekend as they performed heroics to secure a goalless draw with Coventry City.

A Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Rochdale followed three days later, however, and Phil Parkinson's side were thumped 5-0 at Tranmere Rovers on Saturday despite a request from management and medical staff to have the fixture called off.

Bolton officials have repeatedly expressed concern over the fitness and mental conditioning of their youth players, who would have faced a fourth professional outing in the space of 10 days, and it would appear the EFL have agreed to the decision.

A statement from joint administrator Paul Appleton, posted at bwfc.co.uk, read: "It is with real regret and a deepening sense of frustration that we have been forced to postpone tomorrow's fixture against Doncaster Rovers.

"Whilst the threat of further EFL sanctions is obvious, nothing can be allowed to impact on the welfare of such a young group of players. With so many senior players injured or unavailable, the squad has performed heroically and deserves so much credit.

"But after consultation with the club's medical staff, it is obvious that to call on them for another match without an adequate break would be detrimental to both their welfare and development which cannot be allowed.

"We were able to bring in reinforcements before the match against Coventry because the deal was so close to completion. Now, following recent events, the legal position of various parties has altered which means a delay in completion. In this situation, it is very difficult to attract available players to the club.

"I will be discussing the implications with the EFL but in the meantime, I would call on all parties involved with the acquisition of the club and hotel to end this intolerable delay and secure once and for all the future of Bolton Wanderers.

"Further details on reimbursement for any tickets sold for tomorrow's game will follow."

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