Nigel Clough says Bolton Wanderers' fall from grace is warning to all

Cash-strapped Wanderers find themselves 17th in the League Two table just nine seasons after plying their trade in the Premier League.

Bolton’s slip down the Football League was brought about by huge debts which saw them owe a whopping £172.9m in December 2015.

And Clough believes it should act as a warning shot to any club living beyond their means.

“It is startling really and a warning to an awful lot of clubs who carry debt,” he said.

“It was only the generosity of their previous owner who kept them going.

“When that owner is not there the reality kicks in and you cannot keep going at the same level.

“There needs to be a levelling off period, which there is now, and they need to start climbing back up again.

“They look as though they are capable of doing that now but it's a big drop from where they were before.”

Clough expects a tough test from what he describes as a quality side when Bolton travel to the One Call Stadium on Tuesday night.

“They are a very good footballing side,” he said. “They have got quality, that is the thing.

“They have also got a proven goalscorer at this level and the league above.”

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