BOLTON'S players have threatened to go on strike for the remainder of the season in protest at unpaid salaries.

The cash-strapped Sky Bet Championship club, managed by former Bantams boss Phil Parkinson, relegated to the third tier last week, are in the process of completing a takeover, but that has yet to be ratified by the English Football League.

It is understood the EFL is assisting Bolton in a bid to prevent players boycotting Saturday's home game against Brentford and their final game of the season at Nottingham Forest a week on Sunday.

A statement released on behalf of Bolton's players read: "The long-running financial crisis at our club has been well documented. As has the fact that we, the playing staff have yet to receive our March salaries.

"Five of our coaching staff are also yet to be paid for March.

"We have endeavoured to continue our training and playing commitments during this extremely difficult time, with seemingly no resolution in sight.

"We thought that the prospective takeover of the club would provide a solution, but difficulties in its completion has left us no further forward.

"This situation is creating mounting mental, emotional and financial burdens for people through no fault of their own.

"The mental pressure has affected some people to the extent that they feel they are unable to perform their jobs sufficiently.

"These are unprecedented circumstances and are affecting every aspect of our lives, placing great strain on ourselves and our families.

"During this time we have remained patient in hope of some explanation but information from the club has been extremely limited and very confusing. What we have been told changes constantly.

"With deep regret, we have decided not to fulfil our remaining fixtures unless we are paid.

"We understand that this will disappoint our fans and for this, we sincerely apologise.

"We realise this may be seen as drastic action but we feel we have no other options left.

"This decision has not been taken lightly and is not a reaction to this one particular incident.

"We have suffered numerous issues this season, and recent seasons. Brought on by the mismanagement of this club.

"We have been operating in a near-untenable environment for some time and it is the accumulation of these issues that have resulted in our decision."