Backroom pair leave Bolton as Trotters prepare for new boss

Bolton have started clearing the decks for their new manager with backroom duo Garry Parker and Steve Walford both departing the Macron Stadium.

First-team coach Parker and assistant boss Walford were part of previous manager Neil Lennon's staff and, while there were discussions about their role once the Northern Irishman left last month, the pair remained under interim boss Jimmy Phillips.

However, with the club looking to make a swift managerial appointment in the coming days ahead of their League One campaign next term, they confirmed on Thursday morning that Parker and Walford had left in a short statement.

Phillips and recently hired coaching consultant Peter Reid are reportedly braced to potentially hand over the reins in the coming days after chairman Ken Anderson held a second round of interviews with three prospective managers this week.

Anderson is seeking a "young, new-style" manager and it is understood he admired the job 48-year-old Chris Wilder did in winning promotion with Northampton this season despite their off-field struggles.