Bolton today confirmed Sammy Lee as manager in succession to Sam Allardyce, who resigned yesterday.

Lee, who has served as Allardyce's assistant at the Reebok Stadium since June 2005, will take charge of the team, who face West Ham and Aston Villa in their remaining two Barclays Premiership games this season.

Allardyce's resignation was made public yesterday after seven-and-a-half years with the club. He has been linked with a move to Manchester City or Newcastle in the summer.

"I'm very proud and I mentioned at the weekend I've been fortunate to work under some very good people," Lee said today.

"The education I've gained from working with Sam Allardyce has been immense. I have to continue what Sam has started, that's first and foremost, and then re-evaluate it after that. It certainly is a healthy position that Bolton are in, we're now contesting for a place in Europe."

Lee has been rewarded for his loyalty to Bolton after rejecting the chance of a full-time coaching role with England Under-21s last August. New manager Steve McClaren wanted him to switch from the senior set-up but instead he decided to concentrate on club matters.

Lee also had spells as first team coach and reserve team coach at Liverpool, where he made his name as a player.

While Allardyce refused to go into detail about what prompted his decision to quit Bolton, he explained: "It was mutually agreed that I step down now rather than at the end of the season.

"That will give my successor the ideal opportunity to experience the preparation and build-up of matchday in readiness of next season. The decision to leave the football club, which has been my spiritual home for over 18 years, as both player and manager, is one of the hardest I have had to make in my life."

Allardyce's last act as Bolton boss was to guide an understrength side to a 2-2 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. He insists he leaves the club in very good hands.

Allardyce said: "It is the right moment to step down from my duties and welcome a new exciting era for the club under different leadership. I believe the foundation of the next phase of the club is well and truly in place.

"It is with this knowledge that I feel confident that I am moving on with my life content with a legacy that I have tried to create for this special club."