THE Bolton Wanderers academy coach at the centre of a betting controversy when he backed QPR to beat the Whites on Tuesday has resigned.

Wanderers confirmed that they have accepted the resignation of 23-year-old Matthew Dewhurst, a former strength and conditioning coach with the academy.

Mr Dewhurst, who bet £6 on a nine-match accumulator bet, winning £231.59 in the process, tendered his resignation at a meeting with club officials yesterday.

He appeared to be in breach of FA rules, as no employee of a football club is allowed to bet on any match their club is involved in, or any match from a competition their club participates in.

A Bolton Wanderers spokesman said: “After an internal investigation and a meeting with the club, Mr Dewhurst tendered his resignation and submitted a written apology to the club.

“Both have been accepted.”

Mr Dewhurst’s betting win became known when he posted a celebratory status on Facebook.

Two other Championship matches — Derby County’s 3-2 win over Yeovil and Reading’s 5-1 win over Blackpool — featured on Mr Dewhurst’s accumulator.

The remaining winning choices were victories for Swansea, Wolves, Chesterfield, Manchester United and Real Madrid, as well as a draw between Norwich and Newcastle.

There is no suggestion Mr Dewhurst attempted to influence the outcome of the match — which Wanderers lost 2-1, their third straight league defeat — in any way.

His status said: “Derby County, 0-2 down at home to Yeovil, come back to win 3-2 in the last min to win me £230 for my accumulator!! Buzzing!!”

The FA’s latest guide to betting states that their strict rules — brought in in 2012 in response to various gambling scandals — apply to players, managers, coaches, club medical staff, other club employees and staff, directors and licensed agents.


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