A FORMER Bolton Wanderers captain who went on to manage Leicester City and Nottingham Forest, died from a heart attack on Christmas Eve. Matt Gillies, 77, was a centre half who captained a Bolton team which included Nat Lofthouse. He joined Bolton in 1942 while serving in the RAF at Weeton Camp, Blackpool, and came from West Calder, Glasgow. He signed as a professional in the 1946-47 season and the following year was made captain.

While in Bolton he married his wife, Marjorie, whose parents were Wanderers season ticket holders, from Atherton.

However, in 1952, he moved to Leicester in a transfer deal worth £12,000. He later became manager of the Leicester team which went on to play in the FA Cup Final in 1961 against Tottenham.

In 1968 he resigned and a year later he joined Nottingham Forest as manager, leaving the then Second Division club in October 1972.

Mr Gillies remained in Nottingham until his death. He is survived by his wife and two children.

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