More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
It’s game on for the Gills at the weekend.
The future of opponents Bolton Wanderers has been in the balance this week after a takeover on Monday collapsed.
But the club have today (Wednesday) announced that Football Ventures (Whites) Limited have completed their purchase of the club, following lengthy negotations.
A statement from the club’s administrator said: "I have every sympathy for the staff, players and fans who have been forced to stand by while their club was taken to the brink. I am delighted their loyalty, dedication and patience have finally been rewarded.
"Of course, there will be difficult times ahead while the club gets back on its feet but there are too many people with Bolton close to their hearts for it not to be successful once more.
"The EFL and PFA have both played a major part in the club's survival. They have understood the complexities of the process and have stood strong in the fight to save Bolton, helping to drive this deal over the line.
"Now there can be a fresh start with owners who, I believe, will run the club for the good of the supporters and the community as a whole.
"For everything the fans have had to endure, they deserve nothing less."
Negotiations continued throughout last night and into the early hours, after passing the initial 5pm deadline on Tuesday to complete the takeover.
On Monday the administrator admitted the club could have been wound up, with a deal then looking unlikely.
Gillingham have been waiting patiently to find out what would happen with their opponents, unsure as to what kind of team, if any, they would be facing.
Bolton have been playing with youth players, suffering heavy defeats in their last three games, but with new owners could now bring in some experienced players, as boss Steve Evans expects.
He recently questioned the integrity of the competition, expecting such a scenario as this to happen.
While Bolton have got their deal completed, Bury didn't, and have been expelled from the Football League.
