The man who helped secure the future of Bolton claims the takeover which saved the club was the most complicated he has ever dealt with.
Joint administrator Paul Appleton last night revealed the Trotters had successfully been bought by Football Ventures to end fears of liquidation.
The deal concludes months of uncertainty, which included several failed takeover bids from former Watford owner Laurence Bassini, and Appleton admits there were moments when he feared the worst.
“There were many times when I wondered whether it would be possible, but there was never a moment when I wasn’t committed to getting it done,” he told talkSPORT.
“I just hoped that everyone would see sense and all the stakeholders did their best to make sure this great club didn’t go under.
“There were a number of very complicated issues. We had to deal with many different stakeholders so we could get them on board and save this great football club.
“We thought we were on the home straight on numerous occasions, then for whatever reason, something would get in the way.
“There were at least three occasions when we thought we were ready to complete.
“I’ve been doing this for 33 years and I’ve never seen anything so complicated in my life.
“Today the fans can celebrate that we got it done and they’ve got fantastic new owners who are fully funded and have the ability to take the club forward and return the club to its former glory.”
After a prolonged period of financial turmoil under the ownership of Ken Anderson, with staff and players left unpaid for months, fans will naturally be nervous about any new owner.
This is compounded by the tragic recent expulsion of neighbours Bury from the EFL, a fate which Bolton narrowly avoided.
But Appleton believes Football Ventures are the right people to lead the rebuild at the Macron Stadium, pointing out their commitment to rescuing the club.
He added: “It really was a rollercoaster. It was an unbelievable three months. The fact that they were still there at the end says it all.
“The staff and the players will be paid all the money they are due, not only for August but also for the time prior to the administration.
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“They are the right people to lead this club. I think Bolton fans should be excited. They’ve got the 12 point deduction and the season hasn’t gone too well [so far]. Hopefully this weekend can be the start of new things. They’ve got some fantastic plans.
“I’m very conscious of the Bury situation, but I’m glad there was at least some good news in that part of the world last night.”