WANDERERS live to fight another day — but yesterday’s news of a mystery buyer produced in the High Court has been met with a degree of scepticism by many supporters.

A judge granted a two-week adjournment in a winding-up hearing brought by HMRC on the strength of a pledge that a new buyer, willing to pay debts owed, is in the offing.

Hillary Stonefrost, QC, claimed the person in question is said to have a “major stake in a high-level football club” and that she had a written statement from solicitors who had been instructed to deal with the share sale.

Details on the possible new owner remain scant but such has been Wanderers’ changeable luck with takeovers in the last few months, the reaction among fans was one of cautious optimism.

The Bolton Wanderers Supporters’ Trust – who had provided written support for an adjournment at court – released a statement which summed up the general mood.

“The BWFCST are relieved that Judge Jones has today decided to adjourn the HMRC winding-up petition until April 3,” it read. “The news that several other parties have been added to the petition is, however, of further concern.

“Judge Jones must have been satisfied regarding the credibility and substance of the new bidder and we find some comfort in that.

“One point of note is that the two-week adjournment now takes us past the deadline of 5pm on Thursday, March 28, for insolvency event-related points deductions to be applied this season.

“The next two weeks are now crucial to the very existence of BWFC. As our recent plea to the owner and all interested stakeholders, we again urge all parties to work towards securing a more stable and sustainable future for our beloved club.”

Along with the HMRC bill, two other creditors requested payment at yesterday’s hearing. Macron, sports kit manufacturers, said its debt amounted to £194,753, and West Church Homes Ltd said it was owed £15,940.