By Mark Heys
October 10 2005

Manchester United coach Ricky Sbragia has become the latest addition to Sam Allardyce's backroom team at Bolton Wanderers having been appointed as First Team Coach this morning.

The 49-year old Scotsman has been a key figure behind the scenes at Old Trafford and has helped the junior sides to a number of Championship titles, including the FA Premier Reserve league last season.

Sbragia was a tough tackling defender during his playing days and enjoyed success in the lower leagues with a number of clubs, with perhaps the most notable spells being at Walsall and York City in the 1980's.

It is perhaps his time as a coach for which he is better known though, as he has helped develop the youngsters at York City, Sunderland and Manchester United over the last 15 years. Darren Fletcher, Kieron Richardson, David Bellion, Kevin Kyle and George McCartney are just some of the players who's careers he has helped during their younger days and it is hoped that he can continue that success at the Wanderers.

Bolton manager Sam Allardyce told the official website that he was pleased to add a man of Sbragia's experience to his team as a replacement for Neil McDonald, now Assistant Manager of Crystal Palace.

"I am delighted with the appointment of Ricky, He is one of the best coaches in the country and will add more diversity to our backroom staff.

"From a coaching point of view, he is very knowledgeable and will bring great experience and expertise in the technical and tactical approach to our coaching needs.

"He has done exceptionally well at Manchester United in bringing through young players and that's one of the key areas we want him to develop at the Club over a long period of time."

Sbragia was sad to be leaving United but was looking forward to a new chapter of his career with the Wanderers:

"I've had a great three years at Manchester United," Ricky told ManUtd.com.

"I've really enjoyed my time working with the Reserves and I've made some great friends. Now it just time for me to move on and enjoy a new challenge with Bolton."

Walking Down The Manny Road would like to welcome Ricky to Bolton Wanderers

RICKY SBRAGIA

BORN: 26th May 1956, Lennoxtown, Scotland

HEIGHT: 6.0

WEIGHT: 11.0<

PLAYING CAREER:

1974-1978 Birmingham City (15 appearances, 1 goal)

1975 Morton (loan) (4 appearances, 0 goals)

1978-1980 Walsall (77 appearances, 4 goals)

1980-1982 Blackpool (26 appearances, 1 goal)

1982-1987 York City (149 appearances, 7 goals)

1985 Darlington (loan) (6 appearances, 0 goals)

COACHING CAREER:

1990-1994 York City

1994-2002 Sunderland

2002-2005 Manchester United