REPUBLIC of Ireland coach Steve Walford is joining Wanderers as Neil Lennon’s new assistant manager and the Whites boss is delighted with his arrival.

The 57-year-old, who was Lennon’s coach when he played for Leicester and was also part of his staff during his tenure at Celtic, will replace the outgoing Johan Mjallby who is returning to his native Sweden for personal reasons.

The ex-West Ham, Arsenal and Tottenham man will be Lennon’s right-hand man at the Macron Stadium but will also continue in his role with Martin O’Neill at the Republic of Ireland national team.

Speaking at his press conference ahead of tonight’s home Championship clash with Sheffield Wednesday yesterday, Lennon confirmed Walford’s arrival was imminent and believes he will bring a wealth of experience to his coaching ranks.

The Whites boss told The Bolton News: “We are very close to appointing Steve Walford – negotiations are almost finalised.

“Steve has a wealth of experience.

“I worked with him under Martin O’Neill.

“He’s still with Martin with the Republic of Ireland team and he will carry on those duties with Martin.

“We are grateful to Martin for giving us the opportunity to appoint Steve.

“He has worked at every level of the game from League Two right through to Champions League and international level.

“His experience will be invaluable to me.”

Walford won the FA Cup with Arsenal in 1979 as a player and helped Leicester and Celtic to domestic success as a coach.

The former defender is a man Lennon knows well and he is confident the Londoner will prove to be a good addition to his staff.

Lennon added: “I have been in contact with Martin, Steve and John Robertson over the years.

“They have been a fantastic influence and fantastic for my career.

“It’s important I got someone in who knows the game and the way we want to work.

“Steve fits that bill perfectly.

“I worked with him for 10 years and know the quality of the coach and of the man as well.”

Walford’s arrival tempers the departure of Mjallby – another man of whom Lennon cannot speak highly enough.

Naturally, his exit is disappointing for the Wanderers manager but he respects the Swede’s reasons for leaving.

Lennon said: “He has been with me since the first day I started in management.

“It’s a huge loss to me, both professionally and personally.

“But he had his reasons and I respect those reasons.”