Megson Sacked As Bolton Manager

Gary Megson has been sacked as manager of Bolton Wanderers with first
team coach Steve Wigley and assistant manager Chris Evans taking over
first-team duties with immediate effect. Megson saw his side throw
away a two-goal lead against Hull on Tuesday and he was rounded-on by
fans, who booed his decision to take off top-scorer Ivan Klasnic.

A statement on the club’s official website said: “Gary Megson has been
relieved of his duties as First Team Manager of Bolton Wanderers
Football Club with immediate effect. “The decision has been taken in
the light of the position the club finds itself in the Barclays
Premier League at the halfway point of the season. “Assistant Manager
Chris Evans and First Team Coach Steve Wigley will take charge of
first team matters for the interim period. “The Club wishes to place
on record its thanks to Gary Megson for his hard work and commitment
to Bolton Wanderers during his tenure as Manager.

Megson had endured a strained relationship with the Bolton fans ever
since he arrived at the Reebok in October 2007 to replace Sammy Lee.
He steered the club away from relegation after an abysmal start to the
campaign by Lee and achieved a mid-table finish last season. But with
only eight victories under his belt in the past 12 months, fans had
become increasingly frustrated, frequently venting their anger by
booing Megson.

Chairman Phil Gartside said in early December that points targets had
been set for the festive schedule, and though the game against Wigan
Athletic was postponed, it is believed that Wanderers failed to reach
the mark. The Trotters currently lie 18th in the Premier League table,
behind West Ham on goal difference, but they have two games in hand on
the Hammers and have not lost in five games.

Bolton have an FA Cup clash with Lincoln this weekend before away
league clashes at Arsenal and Sunderland, a return home match against
the Gunners, a visit of Burnley and a trip to Anfield to face
Liverpool. Former Manchester City boss Mark Hughes and ex-Peterborough
manager Darren Ferguson have emerged as the early favourites to
take-up the vacancy.

Daniel "Pitchside" Pitcher Twitter: @DanFM104Sport About: Dan "Pitchside" Pitcher provides insight and commentary as the chief soccer and rugby correspondent for Sportspeak.