Steve Walford replaces Johann Mjallby as Bolton assistant manager

Bolton Wanderers have appointed Steve Walford as the club's new assistant manager.

The 57-year-old replaces Swede Johann Mjallby who has left the Sky Bet Championship club for personal reasons.

Walford is currently part of Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill's coaching staff, having also worked under O'Neill at Wycombe, Norwich, Aston Villa and Sunderland.

The former Arsenal, Tottenham, Norwich and West Ham defender is also well known to Bolton manager Neil Lennon having coached alongside O'Neill at his former club's Leicester and Celtic.

Lennon said: "He's worked with Martin O'Neill for the last 20-25 years. I had 10 years under him as a player with him, Martin and John Robertson.

"He's currently first-team coach with Republic of Ireland, and he will continue those duties.

"He knows the way I work. He knows my personality and vice versa. He's got a wealth of experience, from League One, League Two, Championship, Premier League, Scotland, Europe, Champions League, international level - he's coached at every spectrum of the game.

"I'm very fortunate that he's agreed to come and really grateful for Martin for giving us this opportunity as well.

"We've kept in touch over the years. I've got a huge respect for him, he had a huge influence on my career, as did Martin. I basically learned the top end of the game from them guys. He's looking forward to the challenge - it's fantastic for us."

A statement on the club's official website read: "Bolton Wanderers are pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Walford as the club's new assistant manager.

"The club can also confirm that Johan Mjallby has left Bolton Wanderers due to personal reasons.

"Bolton Wanderers would like to thank Johan for his service and wish him well in his future endeavours."