Speed quits Bolton coach role

Gary Speed has been relieved of his coaching duties at Bolton in order to concentrate on playing football for the side. Speed's manager Sammy Lee had contradicted the statement, saying the club decided on Speed's role.

"It was my decision," the 38-year-old told The Bolton News. "I decided it wasn't working out. I want to concentrate totally on my football."

Speed has revealed he had been set to sign a new deal which would have kept him at Bolton as player-coach until 2009.

The midfielder now fears the one-year contract extension will no longer be on the table at The Reebok Stadium.

"I was offered an extra year on my contract, which took the coaching role into account," Speed said. "It had all been agreed but not signed. That might not be there now."