Staff Departures On The Cards

By Mark Heys
May 22 2007

A move to Newcastle United could be on the cards for two of the Bolton Wanderers much sought after backroom staff but the Trotters are unwilling to lose their employees to the Magpies without a fight,

Head of Sports science Mark Taylor is set to link up with Sam Allardyce in the near future and he could be followed by Performance director Mike Forde, despite the latter being offered a new contract to stay at the Reebok Stadium.

Both have been with the Wanderers since the 2000-2001 season and in the case of Taylor he worked under Allardyce at Blackpool as their first team physiotherapist.

The Guardian says Bolton will not receive any compensation for Taylor but they do suggest that there could be a legal battle on the cards if Newcastle's move for Forde is successful.

Meanwhile former Wanderers first team coach Neil McDonald is being linked with a return to Newcastle as the assistant manager to Allardyce despite still being under contract as the manager of League One side Carlisle United.