The ex-Wales captain is the country's most-capped player, with his 85th and final appearance coming against Poland in October 2004.
Gary, who has played for Premiership teams Leeds, Everton, Newcastle and Bolton, is well known in the region, living near Chester, and supporting his son's local junior football team.
Midfielder Gary began his career with Leeds United, before moving to Everton in 1996, for £5.5m. He moved to Newcastle in 1998, and then on to Bolton for £750,000 in July.
After retiring from international football, the respected footballer was recommended by ex-Wales coach Mark Hughes to take up the vacant post but he continued as a player.
Former Bolton boss Sammy Lee took over in April 2007 and offered Gary the post of player-coach, joining two other coaches who reported to Sammy.
But in October 2007 Gary relinquished the post to focus on playing - just before Sammy and Bolton parted company. Whether Gary pursues an interested in management remains to be seen.
Wales's most capped player who is plays for Bolton.
