Phil Gartside
Phil Gartside dies at 63 Getty

Bolton Wanderers have announced their long-serving chairman Phil Gartside has died at 63 after a battle with cancer.

Initially joining the club's board in 1988, Garside was appointed club chairman in 1999. He oversaw the club's promotion to the Premier League and helped secure a number of high profile transfers – including those of Ivan Campo, Jay-Jay Okocha, Fernando Hierro and Nicolas Anelka – during their spell in the top flight.

Bolton 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."

Bolton secured four consecutive top-eight finishes in the Premier League under Gartside and two campaigns in the Uefa Cup.

He stepped away from his duties at the Macron Stadium in November last year after the club confirmed he was seriously ill. Football finance executive Trevor Birch was brought into fill the void and lead negotiations with potential new buyers for the financially-stricken club.