O’Neill allows Walford to take up Bolton role

MARTIN O’NEILL has sanctioned Steve Walford’s appointment as the new assistant manager to Neil Lennon at Bolton Wanderers. Walford, 57, has agreed terms to become Lennon’s new No 2 at the Championship club but will continue as coach under O’Neill in the Republic of Ireland set-up for the duration of the Euro 2016 campaign. That includes the final two Group D qualifiers next month, against Germany and Poland, and the November playoffs, should Ireland be involved. ‘Martin is fine with Steve’s new role,’ said an FAI spokesperson. Along with Steve Guppy, Walford joined O’Neill’s staff at the tail end of last season in a parttime role. As Walford’s job at Bolton will be full-time, it remains to be seen if he is available in the future for O’Neill, should the Derry native extend his FAI contract for the 2018 World Cup. ‘We’re close to appointing Steve Walford. He’s worked with Martin O’Neill for the last 20-25 years. I had 10 years under him as a player with him, Martin and John Robertson,’ said Lennon. ‘I’m really grateful for Martin for giving us this opportunity as well.’

CHRIS Hughton has ruled out the possibility he might be tempted to manage at international level – for the moment. The Brighton boss is certain to be a frontrunner for the Republic of Ireland job if Martin O’Neill’s contract is not renewed at the end of the Euro 2016 qualifiers. But Hughton, 57, who was previously Irish assistant manager to Brian Kerr from 2003 to 2006, insists his primary focus is taking Brighton as far as he can. ‘I don’t have any ambitions to manage at international level, only because of where I am at the moment,’ said the former Ireland full-back. High-flying Brighton,