Speed ends coaching role
11 Oct 2007 - 09:41:02
Bolton Wanderers' veteran midfielder Gary Speed has been relieved of his duties as first-team coach at the Reebok Stadium.
The 38-year-old former Wales international had been handed extra responsibilities following Sammy Lee's appointment as manager, working alongside Jimmy Phillips and Ricky Sbragia.
Lee told the club's official website: "I would like Gary to focus on his game at this moment in time. I don't want anything to distract him.
"I want everybody, coaches and players, to be fully focussed on their game."
Speed himself told the Evening News: "It was my decision, I decided it wasn't working out. I want to concentrate totally on my football.
"I was offered an extra year on my contract, which took the coaching role into account. It had all been agreed but not signed, that might not be there now."
Speed has been with the Trotters for just over three years, having previously made his name during successful spells with Newcastle United, Everton and Leeds United.
He has scored 14 goals in 131 games for Bolton to date, but he was omitted from the squad for the 1-0 defeat at home by Chelsea last weekend.