Bolton

Have called off their game at home to Donny tonight with concerns for "player welfare" without consulting the EFL or Donny.

A sad state of affairs with Bury looking likely to go pop and maybe Bolton following soon.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49399958

Hmm, awkward one to resolve. Do clubs have the power to just call a match off without consulting the other team or seeking approval from the EFL?

I have (some) sympathy for Bolton, in the sense that they feel they can't keep fielding kids that are also playing youth games, so I understand their concerns about over-playing them and over-exposing them to the physical demands of first team football.

However, I'd like to bet that the majority of them want to play. Maybe, if they're also playing youth games, they should call the youth fixtures off and prioritise the first team games?

I know it's not exactly the same position as Bury but if there was any doubt around Bolton being able to fulfil 46 league fixtures before the season started then the EFL should've been across this from the start.

It really is a sad state of affairs. Bolton and Bury are in the positions they are from gross overspending and arrogance from the top. I'm not sure the EFL are coming out of this positively either.

As always, it's the fans that suffer.

Sounds to me like they are trying to buy some time and avoid another spanking. They'd probably rather delay until more senior players are available so at least they have some chance of picking up a point or 3.

Or maybe that is just me being a cynical twit.

I think if any club postpones a game without approval a hefty fine will follow at least.

Quoted from pizzzza

Sounds to me like they are trying to buy some time and avoid another spanking. They'd probably rather delay until more senior players are available so at least they have some chance of picking up a point or 3.

Or maybe that is just me being a cynical twit.

I bet this is the case. If I was the EFL i'd  just award the tie to Donny 3-0.

To be fair both Bolton and Bury are a shambles. Every EFL club should be forced to pass a test that they have paid their players and can prove they can fufil their fixtures six weeks out from the season. If they can't do that they should be thrown out.

An even heftier fine if they have not had enough stewards to control the fans.

Both Bolton and Bury at serious risk of disappearing as league clubs.

There is a bigger issue here.  Clubs are in more serious trouble than before.  The EFL also seem unable or unwilling to stop dodgy owners taking control.  The recipe for a perfect storm.

If 1 or 2 clubs go bust, I can see a domino effect whereby other clubs go to the wall.  The EFL might also lose patience with struggling clubs and pull the plug.

Probably most EFL clubs are vulnerable here.  If our takeover does not happen, and John Fenty wants to relinquish control, then we could be at risk.  I cannot see the EFL being too bothered about our future.

Not sure what the EFL's ruling is on calling off games, but I know that even in the local Sunday League, once fixtures are set, then, barring weather related postponements, games must be played on the date set down,

You can apply for one fixture free date before the start of the season but that's all.

Anyone calling off a game sees the points awarded to their opponents and get fined.

Quoted from Les Brechin

Not sure what the EFL's ruling is on calling off games, but I know that even in the local Sunday League, once fixtures are set, then, barring weather related postponements, games must be played on the date set down,

You can apply for one fixture free date before the start of the season but that's all.

Anyone calling off a game sees the points awarded to their opponents and get fined.

Similar down here on Saturday except you can close 2 dates but the league needs 1 month notice minimum

Bolton in more trouble here, player welfare? wtf is that?

Quoted from Les Brechin

Anyone calling off a game sees the points awarded to their opponents and get fined.

But that has not happened to Bury has it?