Sammy Settling In At Bolton

By Mark Heys
July 9 2005

Sammy Lee had no hesitations in returning to Bolton Wanderers as their new Assistant Manager once he got the call from Sam Allardyce two weeks ago.

The former Liverpool coach had been working in a consultancy role for the Football Association since leaving Anfield in the summer of 2004 but he admits that a return to domestic coaching was something which he could not pass up on.

"At the risk of sounding disrespectful to anyone else, I had no hesitation but to join Bolton Wanderers. In my opinion, Sam (Allardyce) is one of the best English managers in the game and a man who lives and breaths football.

"The Football Association have been excellent and they have not stood in my way - I can't thank them enough.

"I have missed the day-to-day involvement with the players and now Bolton give me the chance to do what I do best and that is coach at the highest level - I can't wait to get started.

"This is a great club and I do believe that we can realise our potential over the next 12 months. It's going to be demanding for everyone, but with the coaching experience we now have here we can take the club forward. It's all about progress and that doesn't come over night and by resting on your laurels.

Lee also praised the dedication and professionalism of the players during a week long training session in Switzerland but was quick to point out that a lot of hard work will be needed in order to achieve the correct rewards.


"The players have been magnificent and made me feel very welcome," said Lee.

"We are lucky to have a very professional squad of players who take training and playing very seriously. From the outset, I have noticed a strong bond between the players and a determination for them to succeed. You can see why the team finished in the top six last term."

"The pre-season schedule is going to be demanding but very rewarding for the players. After this weekend, we've got a week back in Bolton before we embark on the tour of the Far East. It will be tough but this Club, above any I have worked with, knows how to prepare for such events."