Former Bolton manager Sammy Lee has said 'thank you' to Bolton's fans after agreeing to return to Liverpool to work as assistant manager.Lee initially left Anfield to maintain his coach role in the England set-up, before taking over as assistant manager and then the replacement for Sam Allardyce at Bolton.

But he was sacked by the Reebok Stadium club earlier this season, and has been out of the game until Rafael Benitez's approach earlier this month.

Lee told Liverpool's website: "I was very honoured and privileged to be given the position as Bolton manager.

"The pride and the honour I felt to be their manager was only outweighed by the sheer disappointment that it did not go well.

"I have to say the Bolton fans were fantastic towards me. I have not had the chance to say that before but I want to thank them.

"Even when results were not going well they were very supportive towards me and, most importantly, to the players."

More Football News from TEAMtalk