Speedo Nears Reebok Exit Door

Gary Set For Move Away
By Mark Heys
December 24 2007

Gary Speed's time as a Bolton Wanderers player could be about to come to an end after BBC Radio Sheffield reported that the former Welsh international was on the verge of making an initial loan move to Championship side Sheffield United.

The 38-year old is the most experienced player in Premiership history having played and scored in every season since it's induction in the 1992-1993 season but this year has been a mixed campaign for the midfielder.

He started the season as a regular at Bolton and was player/coach until being stripped of his duties by the Trotters former manager Sammy Lee back in the autumn.

He then lost his place to the on-loan Danny Guthrie who is nearly twenty years his junior and this culminated in the former Leeds United and Everton player wanting more games.

Speed is set to initially move to Sheffield on loan and the move could become permanent in tne New Year but it is not yet known if he will face Bolton in the FA Cup tie between the two sides if a move is completed.

"Obviously I'm not in the Bolton team at the moment and I've got no complaints about that, the boys are playing well, The lads in midfield are playing exceptionally well so I'm not one to say I should be playing because at the moment the team are playing well." said Speed to Sky Sports 

"But, at my age I need to be playing games so we'll have to see what happens in January. I feel that I'm still fit enough to play and I've got lots of time to do other things but I've not got that much time left as a footballer so I want to play"

Joining Bolton from Newcastle United for £750,000 in 2004, Speed has been an almost ever present for the last four seasons, this year aside. In his time at the Reebok he has made over 150 appearances for the club.

Meanwhile the Wanderers are said to have knocked back an approach from League One side Leeds United for centre half Lubomir Michalik. The Slovakian international had a successful loan spell at Elland Road last season and Leeds boss Dennis Wise was keen on doing another deal.