Bolton Wanderers Caretaker Manager Profile: Sir Jimmy Phillips

Here we are again. Bolton Wanderers are under caretaker control following yesterday's sacking of Neil Lennon.

As last time, we have Jimmy Phillips leaving his role as Head of Youth Development to step into the Wanderers hotseat until the appointment of a new manager - rumoured to be Phil Brown - in the summer.

So who exactly is he? Who is he? Who is he?

Well I'm here to tell you.

Born in Bolton in 1966, he turned professional in 1983 at his hometown club. Over a four year spell he made some 187 appearances, scoring only twice from his position at left-back.

He was an attacking full-back in the modern style, although faced criticism from some (me) during his latter years for a somewhat reluctant gait which gave attackers confidence when facing him one on one.

His initial spell at Bolton came to an end in 1987 when he joined Glasgow Rangers, although he only spent a single season there, making 25 appearances without troubling the scorekeepers.

He returned to England with Oxford United in 1988, making almost 80 appearances over two seasons, scoring an impressive eight goals for the side.

A further move took him to Middlesbrough where again he thrived, the move yielding six goals from 139 appearances for Boro.

It was then in 1993 that he returned home to Bolton and took up his position at left back where he would spend the remainder of his career until retiring in 2001 aged 35. His second spell at Wanderers brought about 221 appearances and just three goals, although one of those was a famous screamer in a thrilling 5-2 home win against Crystal Palace that remains one of my favourite home games in the modern era.

You can see that goal here:

Those were the days.

Upon retiring he immediately joined the club's academy staff, working his way into the top job and helping develop the likes of Tom Walker, Rob Holding, Josh Vela and Zach Clough among others.

He took the reins as caretaker following the sacking of Owen Coyle in 2012, assisted by Julian Darby, another ex-Bolton player.

Interestingly, his first game in charge brought about a 3-2 win against Bristol City - who are the opponents on Saturday. The club have announced that Phillips is in charge until the end of the season and it would be a huge boost to all - not to mention our survival chances - if the same result could be repeated this weekend.

Good luck Jiminho!