By Mark Heys
August 8 2006

Sammy Lee has decided to end his commitments with the England national team and give more attention to his role as Assistant Manager with Bolton Wanderers. The 47-year old former Liverpool midfielder was an integral part of Sven Goran Eriksson's backroom staff and new Three Lions boss Steve McClaren also wanted Lee on board to manage the U-21 team.

Lee took some time to think about the offer which was put to him but in the end decided that it was best to concentrate on his career as right hand man to Sam Allardyce at Bolton.

"Over the past couple of weeks I have been in discussions with the FA and new England Head Coach Steve McClaren regarding the position of under 21s coach and the possibility of it being a full-time role.

"After a number of days deliberating my future, and the fact that I am very flattered to be considered for the full-time post, I would like to show my total commitment to Bolton Wanderers Football Club by declining the offer.

"Over the past decade I have enjoyed my time at the FA immensely. It has been a great honour to be involved with such a dynamic organisation and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the players, both at senior level and under 21s, who I have had the pleasure working with over the past few years. I would also like to place on record my thanks to the many people I have come into contact with throughout the organisation and would like to wish everyone connected with the national game every success going forward.

"My objectives are and always have been firmly with Bolton Wanderers Football Club and Sam Allardyce. I will be working hard to continue the success story achieved at the Reebok Stadium over the past few years as we continue to progress amongst the elite of English football.

"Finally, I would like to wish Steve McClaren and his team every success in the years ahead in what will be an exciting era for the England team."

England manager Steve McClaren was unhappy to lose a coach of Lee's calibre and went on to wish him all the best in his future career with Bolton Wanderers at club level.

"I've always enjoyed working with Sammy Lee over the past five years, but I believe the time is right to make certain changes to the senior team coaching staff.

"However, I hope that I can make the U21 coaching position a full-time role. I'm currently discussing this with The FA and Sammy was who I had in mind for this job.

"With Peter Taylor continuing as part-time under-21s coach, alongside his role as Crystal Palace manager, I had discussed the possibility of a full-time role with Sammy.

"However, I fully respect Sammy's decision to focus his full attention on his role with Bolton Wanderers, and would like to wish him every success in the future."