Knox takes over at ailing Bolton

BOLTON, England -- Premier League strugglers Bolton have put Scot Archie Knox in charge of first-team affairs following the departure of manager Sammy Lee on Wednesday.

Knox, 60, is vastly experienced and was in charge of his national team's youth set up before being recruited by Lee in August as a coaching co-ordinator.

He will be assisted by first team coaches Jimmy Phillips and Ricky Sbragia for Saturday's difficult trip to league leaders Arssnal on Saturday.

Lee left the Reebok Stadium by "mutual consent" after his team had collected just five points in their opening nine Premiership games.

He had also a public falling out with club stalwart Gary Speed who was relieved of his coaching duties at the club - having been left out of the squad to face Chelsea.

The Lancashire club qualified for European competition in the UEFA Cup after an excellent 2006-07 campaign but the departure of long-time manager Sam Allardyce at the back end of last season prior to him taking over at Newcastle, has been accompanied by poor results.

Knox is viewed in the media as a stop-gap and former Wigan manager Paul Jewell has been widely tipped to take over at Bolton in place of Lee. E-mail to a friend