Bolton’s sorry start to the season has plunged to new depths with this weeks news that Gary Speed had stepped down from his coaching role, alongside manager Sammy Lee. Both parties have offered different stories relating to the news, with Lee issuing a statement to say that Speed had “been relieved of his coaching duties, because I want him to focus on his game”. While Speed has insisted that it was his decision as things were not working out.

Bolton, currently propping up the Premiership alongside Derby County, have managed only one win in nine games and it is being reported that the players are not giving boss Lee, thier full support. Worse still for the former Liverpool player is that there appears to be very little support coming from the board room.

Lee has been given a month to turn things around at the Reebok, an unlikely task for the best of managers given the present situation.

In the meantime the Bolton board are looking at possible replacements including Paul Jewell, who has not worked since leaving Wigan Athletic.

Is it too late to tempt Big Sam back?