Sammy Lee was named new Bolton manager on Monday.
Gartside said: “This club has made tremendous progress in the eight years or so Sam was here.
“But I would like to think it is not one person who is solely responsible for that progress.
“The club moved into the Reebok Stadium 10 years ago this week. The new ground was the catalyst for much of what we have done.
“We couldn’t have brought Jay-Jay Okocha to Burnden Park and asked him to play there, irrespective of whether Sam had a silver tongue.
“I have heard it said Sam was the instigator of all the science and the ‘ologies’ we have and use. Well, Sam would be a bloody genius if he understands all of those.
“You couldn’t look back on the last eight years without a lot of enjoyment and pride. We’ve taken Bolton Wanderers to a level we’ve never been at before and, of course, Sam was a big part of that.
“But there are a lot of people left in place who can carry this on. I am more than excited about working with Sammy Lee. I have known him longer than Sam.
“The first time I met him I could see the passion in his eyes for football. I know what he wants to achieve and I am confident he will be a success.
“He is a nice guy — but he can be a nasty little so-and-so as well.”
