WANDERERS have added another Boltonian to their staff ranks, with the appointment of Mike Pollitt as goalkeeping coach.

Farnworth-born Pollitt, aged 47, admits he was “gutted” never to have played for Bolton during a career that began at Manchester United in the 1980s and concluded at Wigan, where he played Premier League football before taking up his first coaching role once his playing days ended.

He leaves a similar role with Rotherham to take over at the UniBol from Lee Butler, who left at the start of November to reunite with Phil Parkinson at Sunderland.

Pollitt’s appointment increases the home-town personnel on the Whites’ coaching staff, with the veteran keeper working alongside proud Boltonians in boss Keith Hill and assistant manager David Flitcroft.

“Recruiting a high-calibre goalkeeping coach like Mike is a testament to him wanting to be here,” said Hill.

“He was in a great job at Rotherham but, being from Bolton, he wants to be part of the club’s future.

“As a manager, you need staff who know and support your message and are able to deliver it to the group of players. I believe this is what Mike will do.

“Having played and coached in the Premier League, he brings a wealth of experience with him and we are delighted with his appointment.”

Pollitt left Wigan in 2017 to become keepers’ coach with the Millers, with whom he played close to 300 games over two spells.

His other clubs include Bury, Lincoln, Darlington, Notts County, Sunderland and Chesterfield.

“I grew up in the town, played in the Bolton Boys’ Federation and watched Bolton Wanderers home and away,” he said after his appointment was announced by the club. “Phil Neal even came around to my house when I was 12 or 13 but I ended up signing for Manchester United when I left school.

“I was gutted I was never able to play for Bolton but I had some enjoyable moments playing against them throughout the years.

“When Keith and David asked me to come to the club I had no hesitation.

“It’s taken me over 30 years to get here but I’m delighted that I’m now part of the staff.”