Tamir Cohen, the Bolton midfielder, was set to return to England yesterday after completing his compassionate leave following the death of his father, Avi.

Indications are that Cohen would like to carry on with the Trotters, although he has not ruled out a return to Israel.

He said: "I do not yet know what I will be doing. Within the next three weeks I will decide if I am staying in England or returning to Israel to be close to my mother, brother and sister."

Indications are that Cohen would like to carry on with the Trotters. His mother, Dorit, said: "I want Tamir to pursue his career in England. That's what Avi always wanted."

We understand that days before his fatal road accident, Avi Cohen was in England and spoke to Bolton manager Owen Coyle about his son and was told that Tamir definitely had a future at Bolton. This was underlined when he made his first appearance in the Premier League in late December when he came on as a late substitute against Sunderland on the Saturday before he was called back to Israel.

Avi wanted Tamir to pursue his career in England

Tamir stressed that he bears no grudge against Coyle for keeping him out of the side. "I understand the decision not to play me," he said. "I had an injury early in the season and when I was ready to come back the team was playing well and the players in my position were excellent. Personally I feel very good at Bolton."

Maccabi Tel Aviv have sacked manager Avi Nimni. The decision follows Monday's 3-0 defeat against league leaders Maccabi Haifa that left them eight points off top spot in Ligat Ha'Al.

Owner Mitch Goldhar said: "I'm concerned by the inability of the team to achieve satisfactory results. More than just the results, it is the performances that have guided my decision."