Knox set to leave the Reebok

5:55am Thursday 15th May 2008

ARCHIE Knox is leaving Wanderers in a backroom clear-out as Gary Megson prepares to put his personal stamp on the Reebok.

The former Manchester United, Everton and Rangers assistant manager is understood to be one of seven members of the support staff who are on their way out in a summer shake-up.

Wanderers have refused to comment on reports that the 61-year-old Knox is to leave the club, but Megson is known to be planning a number of changes behind the scenes as well as to his playing squad after helping keep the club in the Premiership and confirmation of the moves are expected later this week.

Knox, the most high profile of the axed staff, left his role as manager of Scotland U21s last August to become Sammy Lee's coaching co-ordinator.

When Lee was sacked in October, he had two games as caretaker manager - at Arsenal in the Premiership and at home to Braga in the UEFA Cup - before working alongside Megson and becoming a familiar figure.

Lee, meanwhile, is on the verge of returning to Liverpool as Rafael Benitez's assistant manager.

The former Bolton boss has held talks with Anfield chief executive, Rick Parry, after his appointment was approved by the club's American owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

The ex-England international had an illustrious playing career at Liverpool before moving into coaching, and has previously been reserve team manager and first team coach at Anfield under Graeme Souness and Gerard Houllier.

Benitez has been working without an assistant since the departure of Pako Ayesteran last August.

Olympic silver medal for Jason