The ex-Liverpool player is eager to stamp his personality at the Reebok and his first priority is to avoid what he calls a "player drain".Sammy Out To Stop Allardyce
The ex-Liverpool player is eager to stamp his personality at the Reebok and his first priority is to avoid what he calls a "player drain".Lee has read reports linking record signing Nicolas Anelka with a move to Newcastle (or Manchester United), while he is also trying to persuade defender Tal Ben Haim to stay.
Lee: "We don't want to lose our best players. Bolton Wanderers is a forward-thinking club, envied across the game. It is my job to keep a healthy camp with the desire to be successful.
"The chairman is in the process of talking to current players so we can tie them up on long-term deals."
France striker Anelka, 28, only joined the club last summer in an £8million move from Fenerbahce but has a history of jumping ship when he perceives a better opportunity.
Ben Haim's contract expires at the end of the month but Lee has not given up hope of persuading the 25-year-old Israel international to sign on.
Lee: "I have spoken to Tal and have nothing but admiration for the lad in the way he has handled himself in difficult circumstances this year with all the speculation.
"I don't know whether he is going to come back to us. The ball is in his court and it will be up to him now.
"The club has made him an offer and, after the internationals in June, he will make a decision on where he wants to go. I do hope we can persuade him to stay, but it will be up to him."