England exit for Lee
08 Aug 2006 - 12:07:22
Sammy Lee has rejected the chance to become England Under-21s coach in order to concentrate on his role as assistant-manager of Bolton Wanderers.
Lee worked as an assistant-coach with the senior national team on a part-time basis during Sven-Goran Eriksson's reign, but has decided against taking up the full-time position offered to him by incoming England head coach Steve McClaren.
The ex-Liverpool midfielder told the Football Association's official website: "Over the past couple of weeks I have been in discussions with The FA and new England head coach Steve McClaren regarding the position of Under-21s coach and the possibility of it being a full-time role.
"After a number of days deliberating my future, and the fact that I am very flattered to be considered for the full-time post, I would like to show my total commitment to Bolton Wanderers Football Club by declining the offer."
He added: "My objectives are and always have been firmly with Bolton Wanderers Football Club and Sam Allardyce.
"I will be working hard to continue the success story achieved at the Reebok Stadium over the past few years as we continue to progress amongst the elite of English football."