Sammy Out Of England U21 Running

By Mark Heys
January 26 2007

Wanderers chief Sam Allardyce has stated that his right hand man Sammy Lee will not be taking on the role of England U21 manager following the resignation of Crystal Palace boss Peter Taylor

Taylor quit his second spell running the young Three Lions team earlier this week after claiming that it interfered with his club commitments at Palace and the national press immediately linked former Liverpool midfielder Lee with the position.

Lee, who returned to Bolton as assistant manager in 2005, filled in as England U21 boss for one game against Holland at the tail end of November as Taylor had concerns about the form of his club team.

However, Allardyce told the Bolton News that his trusted coach will not be taking on the high profile position following discussions which where held before Christmas about a possible dual role.

"Sammy is not interested in taking the up the under-21 part-time position. We had that discussion when he filled in for Peter before. A decision was made then and stays the same." said Big Sam.

Sammy becomes the latest name to rule himself out of the frame with Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd also reluctant to take on the responsibility which the position entails.