This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...
Bolton Wanderers are still unable to sign free agents as their takeover saga continues, with the League One season just over two weeks away.
The Trotters problems over the past few months have been well-documented but it was hoped a fresh start could be had when the administrators named a preferred bidder to complete a takeover at the start of the month.
However, progress doesn't appear to have been made and Phil Parkinson's squad looks extremely light with the new campaign approaching. The Bolton News have revealed that they still aren't in a position to offer deals to any out of contract players.
Those issues, combined with the 12 point deduction that Bolton have been hit with to start next season, means the future once again looks bleak.
So, are the club facing another relegation? Our writers take a look...
Toby Wilding
"It really doesn't look good does it.
"With just six senior players currently available, it is going to be a huge ask to put a squad together in a matter of weeks, meaning that there is likely to be a huge amount of pressure on some of the club's academy players who may be called upon to step in during the course of the season, as they did in the club's first pre-season friendly at York on Saturday.
"You feel therefore that the addition of even just a handful of more experienced free agents would have helped to provide something of a calming influence for those younger players facing such a daunting task in the coming months, and the fact that even that level of recruitment now looks some way away really doesn't bode well.
"Even so, I can see why this is the approach the club has taken. The main priority right now is finding a buyer who can secure the long term future of the club, and it doesn't make sense to do anything to risk putting them off a move for the club by impacting on their plans for it, even if it something as simple as signing a free agent or two."
George Harbey
"You would have to say that it is looking that way, and it’s such a massive shame.
"Bolton are a big, big club in the EFL, and it wasn’t too long ago that they were challenging for Europe, so the fall from grace has been outstanding.
"They simply haven’t got enough players on their books at the minute, and even if their takeover situation did miraculously sort itself out, then whoever they signed would be a panic.
"Starting the season off with a point deduction will be detrimental to their hopes of survival too."
Chris Gallagher
"It's going to be another long season.
"Obviously, the point deduction is a major problem but when you look at the Bolton squad right now then you have to think they are going to be really up against it.
"The players are understandably furious at the situation and it's clear that plenty of new faces are needed. Phil Parkinson will know that and so will all the fans.
"So, unless something changes pretty quickly and they can attract new players then you'd have to say relegation could be on the cards again."