Speed planning fast exit as Lee row costs him coaching job

Such is the strained situation at the club, floundering in the bottom three of the Premier League, that Speed and his under-pressure manager Sammy Lee failed even to agree on whose decision it was.

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Lee, who promoted Speed to the dual role after stepping up to succeed Sam Allardyce late last season, insisted: "I relieved him of his coaching duties. I need him to focus on playing."

But key midfielder Speed, one of Bolton's most consistent performers in previous seasons, claimed: "It was my decision — I decided that it wasn't working out and I want to concentrate totally on my football."

Lee, who also sprung a surprise by axing skipper Kevin Nolan for the 1-0 home defeat by Chelsea, had showdown talks with Speed, 38, on Wednesday.

Bolton players have publicly backed Lee, who has produced only one win in nine Premier League games — over a Reading side packed with reserves.

But there have been suggestions of deep unrest, with Lee himself hitting out at the "malignant rumours" from inside the camp.

Lee stunned fans' favourite Ivan Campo by failing to register the former Real Madrid man for the UEFA Cup and worried senior players are said to have made their unease known to chairman Phil Gartside.

Gartside and owner Eddie Davies are increasingly concerned by the breakdown of the relationship between Lee and his squad.

Lee said: "It's time for these 'senior sources' to stand up and be counted. All I'd like is for those one or two to just come and knock on my door.

"I don't expect players to be happy when they're not playing. I hear things about my methods, but I've been with these lads two years and I've been at the English FA and with Liverpool.

"It's bitterly disappointing that things are leaking out. People are trying to undermine what we are trying to do."

Speed, who gave up his international career with Wales to prolong his Premier League playing days, was said to be devastated at being left out of such an important game at the weekend.

He was also delighted to be given the opportunity to develop his coaching skills, as was clear only a week ago as he helped put youngsters through their paces in the Creating Chances scheme.

Speed said: "I have no problem with being left out. Sammy is the manager and if he feels that's best for the team, it's fine by me.

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

Lee said: "I would like him to focus on his game. I don't want anything to distract him. I want everybody, coaches and players, to be focused on their game."

Speed now looks certain to leave the Reebok, with former boss Allardyce set to offer him a coaching role at Newcastle, as Sportsmail revealed yesterday.

It was Allardyce who persuaded Bolton's sceptical board to pay £750,000 for Speed three years ago, using ProZone figures to prove Speed was one of the top flight's fittest players despite his advancing years.