FORMER Wanderers midfielder Alan Thompson has been appointed assistant manager of neighbours Bury.

The man who holds the distinction of scoring Bolton’s first-ever Premier League goal has been installed as Lee Clark’s right-hand man at Gigg Lane.

“Alan has joined as my assistant, a man of great experience,” said the new Shakers boss. “Both as a player and as an assistant.

“He had spells with me at Birmingham and Blackpool but was also very successful at Celtic under Neil Lennon.

“He has great knowledge of the game.”

Thompson made 198 appearances for Wanderers and also scored the first goal at the club’s new stadium after they moved from Burnden Park 20 years ago.

He worked alongside Clark at Blackpool and Birmingham City, helping the Blues to a memorable last-day escape from relegation against Wanderers in 2014.