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United coach completes Bolton move

10/10/2005

Manchester United's highly regarded reserve team coach Ricky Sbragia has completed his move to local Premiership rivals Bolton.

The 49-year-old Scot, who joined United from Sunderland in 2002, moves to the Reebok as the new first team coach, replacing Neil McDonald who joined Crystal Palace in the summer.

Trotters boss Sam Allardyce welcomed Sbragia to the club, saying he was "delighted" to have wrapped up the deal.

"He is one of the best coaches in the country and will add more diversity to our backroom staff," Allardyce added.

"From a coaching point of view, he is very knowledgeable and will bring great experience and expertise in the technical and tactical approach to our coaching needs.

"He has done exceptionally well at Manchester United in bringing through young players and that's one of the key areas we want him to develop at the club over a long period of time."

Sbragia led United's reserve team to four trophies in three years and has been widely accredited for the development of such first team regulars as John O'Shea, Darren Fletcher and Kieran Richardson.

Brian McClair is in line to take over United's reserves initially on a temporary basis from Sbragia, who enjoyed a successful playing career with the likes of Birmingham City, Walsall, Blackpool and York City before starting his coaching career.

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