Speed relieved of coaching duties at Bolton

Bolton midfielder Gary Speed has been relieved of his coaching duties at the club.

The Welshman, 38, was handed the role by manager Sammy Lee shortly after he took over the reins at the Reebok Stadium from Sam Allardyce at the end of last season.

Lee told bwfc.co.uk: “I would like him to focus on his game at this moment in time. I don’t want anything to distract him.”

Lee added: "I want everybody - coaches and players - to be fully focused on their game.''

Speed was left out of Lee’s squad for the Trotters’ 1-0 defeat to Chelsea on Sunday.

Reports have suggested Newcastle manager Allardyce, the man who brought him to Wanderers, could be ready to offer him a coaching role at St James’ Park, where he spent five years as a player.