Dougie Freedman has emerged as the surprise new frontrunner to replace Owen Coyle at Bolton. The Crystal Palace boss has enjoyed a superb start to the season after leading his side to fourth in the Championship after 10 matches, with the London club now just three points off the early league leaders Cardiff. Palace’s impressive recent form has attracted interest from Bolton who are reportedly on the verge of making an approach.
Freedman officially took charge of Palace in early 2011 and managed to keep the club in the Championship at the end of the season. Last season he once again ensured that they remained in the league with a 17th place finish, however, the season will best be remembered for their memorable League Cup run, which included a famous victory against Man Utd at Old Trafford en route to the semi-finals. Since losing their opening three games of the current campaign Palace have picked up a stunning 21 points from a possible 22.
The Next Bolton Manager Betting remains very close at this stage in proceedings, with the club's caretaker manager Jimmy Phillips next in the running behind Freedman. Former favourite Mick McCarthy remains a leading candidate, however, the Trotters could face a fight to bring him to the club as he is also being linked with a return to the Republic of Ireland as well as fellow Championship sides Blackburn Rovers and Burnley. Portsmouth manager Michael Appleton, Paolo Di Canio and Billy Davies are all in the frame for the in-demand vacancy, while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has ruled himself out of contention.
