Club deeply saddened to announce the passing of chairman Phil Gartside after a short and brave battle with cancer

Bolton Wanderers Football Club is deeply saddened to announce that long-standing club chairman Phil Gartside has died aged 63.





Phil has passed away after a short and brave battle with cancer.





Born in Leigh, Phil joined the board of Bolton Wanderers in 1988.





He served as club chairman from 1999 and would go on to oversee a successful play-off promotion from the second tier as well as four consecutive top eight finishes in the Premier League and two UEFA Cup campaigns.





Vice chairman Brett Warburton said: “Phil has been a personal friend for over 30 years and this is a very sad day for everybody associated with Bolton Wanderers.





“On behalf of Eddie Davies, the board and everyone associated with the club we send our deepest condolences to all Phil’s family and ask that their privacy is respected during what is a difficult time for all involved.”





In line with the family’s wishes, the funeral will be a private service.