Bolton Wanderers have appointed Trevor Birch as an advisor to the board as club chairman Phil Gartside has fallen "seriously ill".

Birch will act on behalf of the club and owner in an attempt to draw investment while Gartside - who has held his role with Bolton since 1999 - continues to recover.

"I'm sad to report that Phil is seriously ill at the moment and Trevor will now lead the negotiations on behalf of the board and the owner," Bolton vice-chairman Brett Warburton told the club's official website.

"Trevor is a football man who has great experience in dealing with clubs in difficult financial situations.

"We welcome his support in assisting us through this difficult period. Our current owner Eddie Davies is fully supportive of the appointment and will work closely with Trevor."

Birch has previously worked with Chelsea, Leeds United and Portsmouth to help with takeovers and financial issues.