NEIL Hart’s departure as chief executive of Bolton Wanderers should be confirmed by the end of the week, The Bolton News understands.

Hart, who has been in the role for the last three years, has been widely tipped to move to a similar post at League Two MK Dons.

Recruited after a spell at Burnley in the summer of 2021, Hart has overseen some major changes at the club including the introduction of a membership scheme, the creation of the Fanzone in conjunction with the BWFC Supporters’ Trust, the launch of a bond which raised £4.5million and a five-year stadium naming rights deal with local environmental firm Toughsheet, which was described as the most lucrative in Wanderers’ history.

His tenure has also coincided with a period of considerable commercial growth at the club, including record post-Premier League season ticket and merchandising sales, plus an upswing in average attendances.

In May 2023 Hart was voted CEO of the year at the Football Business Awards and his service was recognised by the board as he was issued B class shares in the club, confirmed by Companies House paperwork back in March.

Hart’s time with Bolton has not without its disagreements, however, with some supporters voicing their disapproval on matters such as the introduction of parking charges, the current system of ticket sales and the removal of some matchday bus services. The early days of the membership scheme also brought about criticism in certain quarters, albeit the club and Hart have since claimed it was a successful venture aimed at establishing a better understanding of its fanbase and more effective lines of communication.

Wanderers are not yet in a position to comment but once Hart’s departure is confirmed it is thought that CEO duties at Wanderers will be split for the time being between the current chief operating officer, Phil Mason, and chief financial officer, Niaz Shazad, who recently joined the club after working with the Manchester City Group for the last three years.

It is not yet known whether the new arrangement will be a permanent one, or if a new CEO will be sought in the longer term.

On the pitch, Wanderers remain in the hunt for a free agent signing to fill the final gap left in the squad list handed into the EFL last week. Online reports have linked them with ex-Fulham attacker Sylvester Jasper, who has recently terminated his contract with Portuguese top-flight club Portimonense.

Interest has been played down thus far within Wanderers, with Blackburn Rovers and Dutch side NAC Breda also rumoured to be watching the 22-year-old, who has had loan experience at Bristol Rovers, Hibs and Colchester United and has also represented Bulgaria Under-21s.

Meanwhile, the club has confirmed that B Team forward Trevon Bryan has been loaned out to Northern Premier League side Ashton United.

Bryan made his debut as a 75th minute substitute in Saturday's 1-0 home defeat against Morpeth Town and could feature in tonight’s league game at Macclesfield FC.