BWFC 24

Sammy Lee Leaves Bolton Wanderers

Bolton Wanderers Football Club have announced that Sammy Lee has left the club along with Frank McParland by ‘mutual consent’.

Club Chairman, Phil Gartside had little to say about Lee’s departure but told the club website:

“This has been a difficult decision for all parties but we have agreed that time is right.”Sammy has played an important role in the Club’s recent history. We wish Sammy and Frank well for the future.

“Our efforts will now be to look for a replacement manager and to concentrate on the future.”

“The club will be making no further comment at this moment in time.”

There is no indication about who will replace Sammy Lee as manager, although Paul Jewel is the likely candidate. Until a new manager is appointed it is presumed that Ricky Sbragia will be in charge for this weekend’s trip to Arsenal, unless Speed and Nolan have persuaded Gartside to give them a chance to prove themselves.

There could be a surprise for fans as Ian Dowie (Coventry City) and Gérard Houllier (former LFC manager) have been thrown into the mix along with a slew of others.

There is a rumour that Phil Gartside was seen yesterday talking with Graeme Souness at the De Veres Whites Hotel. This has been backed up by The BBC with 606 reporting that Graham Souness arrived at the Reebok last night, stayed overnight and was seen leaving the Stadium at 11am this morning.

Frank McParland became General Manager of the club on July 4th 2007 to relieve Lee from additional team management duties that are not directly connected with what happens on the pitch.Sammy and Frank worked together at Anfield and it was inevitable that once Lee left McParland would follow.