JIMMY Phillips has cleared up any lingering doubts over his Wanderers future by signing a new contract as academy manager.

The 52-year-old went into the summer not knowing if his role would be extended at Lostock, where he has been the figurehead of the club’s youth development for a decade.

But Wanderers announced this afternoon that a new contract has now been agreed, leaving the Bolton-born-and-bred coach to continue a spell of unprecedented success at youth level.

Last season the academy was ranked most productive in the EFL and second out of all 92 league clubs in English football.

David Lee’s Under-23s were crowned national champions for only the fourth time in the club’s history and Nicky Spooner’s Under-18s reached the play-off finals after a goal-laden campaign.

Recent years have seen the progression of Josh Vela, Zach Clough and Rob Holding to senior level, with home-grown midfielder Jack Earing given his first professional contract earlier this month.

Phillips, who joined Bolton from school in 1983, came through the ranks at Burnden Park and played more than 300 games in two stints, also representing Glasgow Rangers, Oxford United and Middlesbrough.

As coach he was a valued member of Sam Allardyce’s backroom and has twice taken caretaker charge of Wanderers.

“I am delighted to agree a new deal with the club in order to lead the Academy into the coming season and continue the excellent development of its players and staff,” Phillips said in a club statement.

“My main focus will be to accelerate the development of the U23 and U18 players and build upon the success they shared last season.”

Chairman Ken Anderson added: “He is a member of staff who is very much part of the fabric of the football club and with his knowledge and expertise, he will continue to play an extremely influential part of the development of our young players in the years to come.”