FORMER Bolton Wanderers boss Bruce Rioch has quit Danish side OB Odense for family reasons.

The 58-year-old's decision to leave, which he announced on Monday, has shocked the title-chasing Danish Superliga club.

"During the winter break, I considered my future at OB," Rioch told the club's official website.

"I realised that being away from my family, due to working in another country, was too big a burden to take, so I decided not to extend my contract.

"I miss my family and home in England so much that it is hard to focus on my job at OB and therefore I have decided to return home."

Rioch, who guided Bolton to two promotions in three years during his time with Wanderers, took charge at Odense in June 2005.

But the former Middlesbrough, Arsenal and Wigan manager's decision to end his two-year reign has left third-placed Odense in turmoil.

"We are very surprised by the decision Bruce Rioch has made," said club director Kim Brink.

"We understand that he needs time with his family, but I have to confess that he has made the decision at strange timing which has put us in a very tricky situation."