Stapleton Joins Wanderers As Coach

Last updated : 03 October 2003 By Mark Heys
Former Manchester United and Arsenal striker Frank Stapleton has joined Bolton Wanderers backroom staff as a specialist coach who will concentrate on coaching the club's strikers.

The 47-year old spent over six years as a player at Old Trafford between 1981 and 1987 scoring 78 goals in 265 games for the Red Devils and was part of the United sides which twice won the FA Cup, beating Brighton in 1983 and Everton in 1985. He has also won caps with the Republic of Ireland and has captained them on numerous occasions. As a player he also turned out for Ajax, Derby County, Le Harve (France), Blackburn Rovers, Aldershot, Huddersfield Town and as player/manager at Bradford City.

He had been shortlisted as one of the favourites to replace Mick McCarthy in the running for the Republic of Ireland manager's job but the Irish FA chose to promote youth coach Brian Kerr instead.

He has also coached in Hong Kong as well as some part time work for Manchester United's Academy, he is regularly a soccer pundit for SKY TV.