Phil Parkinson has sent an emotional message to Bolton Wanderers fans, explaining his reasons for leaving the club.

After a disastrous few months both on and off the field, the 51-year-old and his assistant Steve Parkin both resigned from their positions this week, with the club reluctantly confirming their resignations in an official statement yesterday.

Following months of financial problems, Bolton were eventually placed into administration in May this year and their off-field issues have continued throughout the summer, as they try to complete a takeover of the club.

The club have just five players in the squad aged 24 or over, including two goalkeepers and had to postpone their recent game against Doncaster Rovers due to concerns over the welfare of their young players.

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Parkinson has now explained his reasons for leaving the club by issuing an official statement via the League Manager’s Association.

"It has been an honour to represent Bolton Wanderers Football Club over the past three years and it was with a heavy heart that I made the decision to leave," the statement read.

"Despite the testing times for all involved, I am proud of the efforts of everyone who has fought for the integrity and survival of this historic club.

“My staff and I were keen to continue to lead the club through the summer and prepare the squad for the new season whilst the possible take-over options were explored.

"Having worked through this period and into the new season, I believe it is now the right time to step aside and allow a new manager the opportunity to rebuild the squad and take the club forward.

“I wish Bolton Wanderers the very best of luck and I hope for a brighter future, as those who support this club truly deserve to see Bolton Wanderers thrive again.”

Parkinson took charge at Bolton in the summer of 2016, replacing Neil Lennon and was able to guide the club to automatic promotion from League One in his first season in charge.

Bolton avoided relegation from the Championship on the final day of his second season, but were relegated from the second tier last term after a disastrous campaign and started this season in League One with a twelve-point deduction.

The Verdict

As harsh as it may sound, you can't blame Parkinson for leaving Bolton. Throughout months of chaos and uncertainty, he stuck by the club through thick and thin.

Given the difficult circumstances, I'm sure most Bolton fans will completely understand his reasons for leaving and will appreciate this statement.

Now that he's gone through, it's very difficult to see where Bolton go from here. There seems to be no end to their problems at the moment and you can't help but feel for their supporters.

Hopefully, they can get the takeover finalised as soon as possible and finally bring an end to the uncertainty that has been hanging over the club for months.