Bolton owner Eddie Davies to write off loans to ease takeover

Image source, Rex Features

Image caption, Eddie Davies first became involved in Bolton in 1999

Bolton owner Eddie Davies will not expect repayment of his loans to the club in a bid to ease the takeover process, says advisor Trevor Birch.

Davies owns the Championship club through company Burden Leisure PLC, which announced debts of 拢172.9m in April after losses of 拢9.1m for 2014.

Birch was brought into Bolton to try to assist negotiations in takeover talks.

"Eddie will be writing off his loans that currently sit in the accounts," the 57-year-old told

"I wouldn't want to compromise the current negotiations, but Eddie is making it very attractive for an interested party to buy the club.

"I have to say I've heard people talk of the money Eddie has taken from the club in return for his investment, but even taking into account interest received on his loans in the early years Eddie's net 'loss' is approaching 拢175m - a magnificent commitment as far as I'm concerned."

Birch, who was appointed because of chairman Phil Gartside's serious illness, also confirmed any potential new owner would be buying all Bolton's assets including the stadium, training ground, academy and hotel.

A number of parties have expressed an interest in buying the club, who are bottom of the Championship, but nobody has yet been granted exclusivity for talks.