Football: Bolton row goes public

A SIMMERING row between Colin Todd and Phil Brown, who has replaced him as manager on a caretaker basis, came to a head yesterday when Todd rebuffed his former assistant's implied criticism.

Brown had suggested he would be a stronger manager than Todd, who phoned Brown to complain about his remarks. Yesterday Todd said: "I will be very surprised if Phil Brown gets the job. It needs someone with experience. Because of the financial side of the club Bolton will need a manager who can wheel and deal in the market. I brought Phil back to the club three years ago, but he's not got that experience".

The fall-out confirms reports of behind-the-scenes strife at Bolton. Brown was deposed by Todd last season when Derek Fazackerley was brought in above him as coach.