Speed is one of the Premiership's most experienced players

Former number two Lee was appointed on Monday following Sam Allardyce's decision to step down.

And Lee has been quick to hand a coaching role to former Leeds, Everton and Newcastle midfielder Speed.

The 37-year-old Speed, who has started 100 league games for the club, joins Ricky Sbragia and Jimmy Phillips as first-team coaches.

Speed had begun steps for life as a coach by working with Wrexham's academy on a part-time basis.

Lee told the club's website: "Gary is a model professional and has great aspirations to be a top-class coach.

"He is fully-qualified having recently gained his Uefa A licence. He has great tactical and technical knowledge and is highly-respected by his team-mates."

Speed added: "I am saddened by the departure of Sam Allardyce - he has created a legacy that everyone is proud of here at Bolton, but everyone knows that life must go on and we have the responsibility of taking Bolton forward.

"I am delighted to be joining a new exciting era for the club under the leadership of Sammy Lee.

"Sammy has great ambition to take the club forward and I am looking forward to be part of that process."

Meanwhile, Allardyce will say farewell to the players and staff at their Euxton training base on Tuesday.

"I don't leave with any regrets. We've all had a fantastic time but it's time for a new era," said Allardyce.

I asked if I would be considered for the post if Sam Allardyce left. That was agreed and now I've got it New Bolton manager Sammy Lee

Allardyce added: "Leaving was a massive decision but big decisions become part of your life as a manager and you take them head on."

Meanwhile, chairman Phil Gartside says owner Eddie Davies fully supports Lee's appointment as Allardyce's successor.

"Eddie was surprised at the timing, like me. I said what I wanted to do and he said 'let's get on with it'," he said.

Gartside also confirmed Lee would be given money to spend over the summer.

Lee, 48, takes charge of the team for the first time at West Ham on Saturday.

With two games left - Bolton's final game of the season is at home to Aston Villa - the Trotters are fifth in the Premiership and in contention for a Uefa Cup place.

Lee has conceded that it will be a daunting task following Allardyce but revealed that it has been his long-term goal since he was appointed as assistant manager two years ago.

"I asked if I would be considered for the post if Sam left. That was agreed and now I've got it," stated Lee.

"Sam is a hard act to follow but I have learned from him during my time as understudy. It has been an education.

"I am nervous but I am about everything I want to do properly because I always want to be the best at what I do.

"We just want to get on with the last two games, get into Europe and evaluate things after that."