From Big Sam to little Sam, Bolton Wanderers expect to confirm Sammy Lee, the diminutive former Liverpool and England midfield player, as their new manager today, an in-house promotion that they hope will build on the foundations laid by Sam Allardyce.

Lee has spent two years as assistant to Allardyce at the Reebok Stadium and, with coaching experience with Liverpool and England behind him, the 48-year-old is regarded by the Bolton board as the ideal man to continue the work that Allardyce has done in taking the club to the top five of the Barclays Premiership. His appointment should be finalised within 24 hours, with his first task to secure the points that are needed to guarantee a place in next season’s Uefa Cup.

It was Lee who faced the media at Stamford Bridge after Bolton’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea on Saturday and, while he insisted initially that

Allardyce’s position was not under discussion, he indicated interest in the job if it arose.

“I’ve always had ambitions,” Lee said. “I’ve been very, very fortunate as I’ve worked under some good people. I’ve not managed before but would like to. It’s for others people to make that decision.

“I have got aspirations and Sam knew that. He’s certainly broadened my horizons as a coach. He mentioned a while back that he wouldn’t go on for ever and we had to make plans. The board have been doing that.

“Sam is massive in every sense. If anyone of his stature leaves any club, he will be missed, but he’s part of a set-up that’s built on good foundations, from the owner, the chairman, board, through to Sam and the supporters.

“He will be missed, but he has built some great foundations for whoever comes in.”