Speed deal for Bolton
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
Article summary
Wales midfield player Gary Speed has joined Bolton Wanderers FC from Newcastle United FC.
Article body
'Major coup'
Speed, 34, joins Bolton on a two-year contract and his arrival is "a major coup" for the Lancashire club, according to their manager Sam Allardyce. "I am delighted to sign a player of Gary's quality," Allardyce added. "He's a very experienced Premiership player."
Eye on Butt
Speed has played more matches in the 12-year history of the Premiership than any other player and last year made more appearances - 52 - than any of his Newcastle team-mates. Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson is believed to be keen to replace Speed with Manchester United FC's Nicky Butt.
Title winner
A league champion with Leeds United AFC in 1992, Speed moved to Newcastle from Everton FC for €8m in 1998. He has made 80 appearances for Wales.
