Bolton Wanderers mourn former Chairman Phil Gartside who dies of cancer

Bolton Wanderers former chairman Phil Gartside has died from cancer at the age of 63.

Gartside had been in the role for 16 years, after joining the board in 1988 until he stepped down in 2015.

He was chairman of the club during a 11-year stint in the Premier League as well as two Uefa Cup campaigns.

The Championship club's vice-chairman Brett Warburton said in a statement: "Phil has been a personal friend for more than 30 years. This is a very sad day for everyone. We send our deepest condolences to all Phil's family."

Gartside recently handed over Bolton's takeover negotiations to football finance consul­tant­Trevor Birch after his health deteriorated.

He was highly regarded within football and Bolton had a reputation for being one of the best run clubs.

JB