Bolton Wanderers - The Contenders

12:10pm Tuesday 9th October 2012 in News

BOLTON Wanderers chairman Phil Gartside will today start his search for Owen Coyle's successor after he paid the price for the club's poor start to the npower Championship season.

Here, we look at some of the candidates likely to be linked with the Reebok Stadium hot-seat.

MICK McCARTHY The popular Yorkshireman, the current favourite for the job, has been linked with a number of vacancies - including Lancashire neighbours Blackburn - since he was sacked as Wolves boss last season. The former Republic of Ireland manager has enjoyed success in the npower Championship in the past, winning promotion with Sunderland in 2004/05.

ALEX McLEISH McLeish has been out of work since the summer when he was relieved of his duties at Aston Villa after narrowly avoiding relegation. The Scot had a sour relationship with the Villa fans during his only season in charge after leaving bitter rivals Birmingham. However, McLeish knows what it takes to win promotion to the Barclays Premier League, leading Blues to the top flight during the 2008/09 season.

JIMMY PHILLIPS/SAMMY LEE Academy manager Phillips and head of Academy coaching and development Lee will take temporary charge of the first-team squad, starting with the home clash against Bristol City on Saturday week. However, Lee's previous brief spell in charge may stand in his way of securing the job for a second time after he was axed having won just one of 11 matches.

ALAN CURBISHLEY Curbishley, currently working as a TV pundit, has failed to land a job since resigning as West Ham boss in 2008. He performed admirably at Charlton, though, winning two promotions and consolidating the Addicks as a Premier League outfit.

HARRY REDKNAPP Redknapp, the leading contender for the England job before Roy Hodgson's appointment, has been at the forefront of speculation for various vacancies since leaving Tottenham in the summer. The 65-year-old, currently undertaking an advisory role at npower League One Bournemouth, won promotion to the Premier League with Portsmouth in 2003.

PAOLO DI CANIO The outspoken Italian has enjoyed a fine start to his managerial career, leading Swindon to promotion to npower League One in his maiden season. He has also claimed a number of scalps in cup competitions and could well be an option for Gartside.

KEITH HILL Hill, who was born and currently lives in Bolton, has worked wonders at Rochdale and now Barnsley on shoe-string budgets. Although he would undoubtedly be seen as an outside contender, Hill was recently linked with the vacant position at neighbours Blackburn and could well be on Wanderers' radar.

Comments(35)

Home is where the heart is says...
1:51pm Tue 9 Oct 12

Gartside's the one who's let Bolton down the most,he should resign but we all know he wont,he'll probably do something ridiculous and ring the ginger pleb again.

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ke1979 says...
2:08pm Tue 9 Oct 12

The thought of McLeish managing us is thoroughly mortifying. But not beyond the realms of possibility. You can scratch Hill, Di Canio, Redknapp, Curbishley and Lee/Phillips off the list above. The fans wouldn't accept Hill, Di Canio isn't enough of a 'yes-man' for Gartside, Redknapp is too dear, Curbishley doesn't know that there is a North of England and Lee has blown his chance.

Gartside will want someone he doesn't have too pay compensation for, won't rock the boat and will do just enough in terms of results to appease the fans. Which leads us too McLeish. God, i've depressed myself.

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Alfieswhites says...
2:09pm Tue 9 Oct 12

Sammy Lee lets not go down that road again!!!!

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Thwhites says...
2:54pm Tue 9 Oct 12

What would be wrong with keith hill? He has more than proved himself a very good manager with rochdale and barnsley. With the decent bunch of players bolton have a manager like hill could really turn our fortunes round..

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ke1979 says...
3:06pm Tue 9 Oct 12

For me nothing wrong with Keith Hill. He comes across well on the football league show and he did do a good job at Rochdale. His record at Barnsley isn't great though and i'm not sure he is a big enough name to appease most Wanderers fans. That said, we got who the Wanderers fans wanted last time round and that hasn't worked out too well has it.

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exiled says...
3:19pm Tue 9 Oct 12

Shame to see a Wanderer leave the club although, in all truth, I never thought he'd be the right man. At the time we needed a manager with fresh ideas, a long term plan and yet we brought in a relatively inexperienced manager who moves clubs every 2-3 years as a player and a manager.

We shall be going backwards with McCarthy, Mcleish, Curbishley, Ince, Souness, Keane or any of the usual names banded around. Robinson at MK Dons not up to it, nor is Keith Hill.

For what it's worth, my shortlist:

1. Hoddle with Gary Neville. Strong manager, players will listen, vision with good defensive coaching from Neville.

2. Ian Holloway. Fans love him and he doesn't tolerate nonsense from his players, who are relatively prudent and cheap purchases.

3. Simon Grayson. Has done well with Blackpool, Leeds and Huddersfield. Speaks well and has long term vision for football.

4. Phil Brown, with Bergsson and McGinlay as asistants? Perhaps even Big Sam's swansong as director of footie overseeing academy, recruitment, etc?

5. Di Canio. Has done well, very passionate and would be a strong youthful manager to connect with the players. Would bea ble to give an ear bashing to our woeful defenders.

Despite all that, my money is on Steve Bruce being poached. I think he offers more knowledge and nous than McCarthy and his monotone voice, and that gibbering, muttering assistant Terry O'Connor he'd bring.

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cypry says...
4:08pm Tue 9 Oct 12

Rafa Benitez

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Reality50 says...
4:23pm Tue 9 Oct 12

Please god no not McCarthy! McCarthy would make us a route one team. Keith Hill has been garbage at Barnsley and again a nono. Choices? Roy Keane Ian Holloway Phil Brown would be ok. They are the three that stand out although Alan Shearer would really get the club buzzing.

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Reality50 says...
4:25pm Tue 9 Oct 12

Why is the Coyle sacked link and this link not on the BN homepage/? Why did we have to search here for it? It's a major story so put it on the main page along with this one.

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PAULBWFC27 says...
4:35pm Tue 9 Oct 12

Lets start by getting rid of the negativity away from owen coyle and why he was sacked....i just wanna thank owen for trying his best with our club,all though things didnt work out,your still a loved one to everyone around the club results just wasnt working,which i partly blame the team also,wish you good luck for the future owen.

now on to the next manager

only one id take is ian holloway,amazing manager with great presents,doubt he would come so leaves one more option and for me this has to be harry rednapp.

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exiled says...
4:52pm Tue 9 Oct 12

Redknapp doesn't know the route north of London or the south coast. Benitez has managed Liverpool, Real Madrid, Inter Milan.

How about Mourinho, he's gagging for a return to England?!!

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Reality50 says...
5:09pm Tue 9 Oct 12

Solskjaer is favourite.

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midas says...
5:16pm Tue 9 Oct 12

What would entice Holloway to Bolton?

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exiled says...
5:49pm Tue 9 Oct 12

Holloway may prefer the views of Winter Hill and Rivi Pike - that's about the nearest we can offer to a tower?!

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millarcy says...
7:01pm Tue 9 Oct 12

exiled wrote:
Shame to see a Wanderer leave the club although, in all truth, I never thought he'd be the right man. At the time we needed a manager with fresh ideas, a long term plan and yet we brought in a relatively inexperienced manager who moves clubs every 2-3 years as a player and a manager. We shall be going backwards with McCarthy, Mcleish, Curbishley, Ince, Souness, Keane or any of the usual names banded around. Robinson at MK Dons not up to it, nor is Keith Hill. For what it's worth, my shortlist: 1. Hoddle with Gary Neville. Strong manager, players will listen, vision with good defensive coaching from Neville. 2. Ian Holloway. Fans love him and he doesn't tolerate nonsense from his players, who are relatively prudent and cheap purchases. 3. Simon Grayson. Has done well with Blackpool, Leeds and Huddersfield. Speaks well and has long term vision for football. 4. Phil Brown, with Bergsson and McGinlay as asistants? Perhaps even Big Sam's swansong as director of footie overseeing academy, recruitment, etc? 5. Di Canio. Has done well, very passionate and would be a strong youthful manager to connect with the players. Would bea ble to give an ear bashing to our woeful defenders. Despite all that, my money is on Steve Bruce being poached. I think he offers more knowledge and nous than McCarthy and his monotone voice, and that gibbering, muttering assistant Terry O'Connor he'd bring.
I agree McCarthy, Mcleish, Curbishley, Ince, Souness, Keane Would be awful. Then you go and spoil it.........
Hoddle/Neville - God forbid.
Holloway - Why would he leave Blackpool?
Grayson - Again, why would he come to Bolton?
Phil Brown and McGinlay - You're havin' a laugh aren't you. Get them two together they'll be training the players how to down pints.
Di Canio - Would think he was bigger than the club. just like he did as a player.
And as for Steve Bruce NO! NO! NO! a thousand times NO!!!!!! The mans an idiot.

My choice and your welcome to shoot me down - Eddie Howe. Good young manager. Did it at Bournemouth, doing it at Burnley. Plus it would get the banjo pluckers from the yorkshire buffer zone wound up!

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Mike23 says...
7:57pm Tue 9 Oct 12

Oh, what a sad day...Good Luck Mr Coyle, the odds were stacked against you, but you managed the Whitemen in a very professional, dignified way.

Just because it didn't go to plan, you should not be disheartened. Best wishes for the future.

As for the contenders...

1. Albert Braithwaite Jnr - Managed Doffcocker FC, good ideas, drinks a bit though

2. Bert Craddock - Was the behind the scenes man for Megson

3. Peter Reid - Would kick a few backsides of the overpaid posse

4. Paulo di Canio - Has a ethos which would inject some passion in the club.

Whoever Gartside chooses, I am sure he will do it with the best intentions.

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northernsoul16 says...
8:27pm Tue 9 Oct 12

Should never have let Big Sam go !

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wanderer4life says...
8:47pm Tue 9 Oct 12

Well, I give Coyle credit for his efforts. Wanderers were much more fun to watch during his tenure. He was hit by a plague of unfortunate circumstances and . . . lest we forget, was pressured into selling our best defender, had our hard-tackling holding midfielder almost die, lost the creative vision of Holden and the wing wizardry of Chungy.
Rant over!

BTW, is Fergie available?

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Reality50 says...
10:08pm Tue 9 Oct 12

With respect to Blackpool and Huddersfield the fact is Bolton Wanderers are a far bigger club with bigger fan base and better facilities and more money-albeit a little more money for any manager to spend at Bolton than those two clubs.Grayson and Holloway both tick the boxes. Coyle left Burnley to move here because he knew the potential was greater and Holloway and Grayson would come here if asked I'm certain.I would like Solskjaer to prove himself at another English club before coming here although he has done a great job at Molde in Norway.McCarthy and McLeish would destroy us and ruin our successful academy and under 18 system.

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swager123 says...
9:09am Wed 10 Oct 12

Mike23 wrote:
Oh, what a sad day...Good Luck Mr Coyle, the odds were stacked against you, but you managed the Whitemen in a very professional, dignified way.

Just because it didn't go to plan, you should not be disheartened. Best wishes for the future.

As for the contenders...

1. Albert Braithwaite Jnr - Managed Doffcocker FC, good ideas, drinks a bit though

2. Bert Craddock - Was the behind the scenes man for Megson

3. Peter Reid - Would kick a few backsides of the overpaid posse

4. Paulo di Canio - Has a ethos which would inject some passion in the club.

Whoever Gartside chooses, I am sure he will do it with the best intentions.
pmsl Mike23, contender No1..... hahaha

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the big dog says...
9:46am Wed 10 Oct 12

The same old group of overpaid failures being shoved around. I would go for Albert Braithwaite Jnr with Billy the Fish of Fulchester United as his assistant!
What about Dowie? Decent chap.

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Wentworth White says...
12:00pm Wed 10 Oct 12

Bolton must NOT appoint messers Mcleish or McCarthy as their next manager as this will be seen by the vast majority of BWFC supporters as a backward step. I believe these two candidates will find it very difficult to win over the fans and if results didn't improve quickly the Reebok could turn very ugly indeed.. Ole Gunnar Solksjaer for me, would be ideal. Young, imaginative and inspirational, he could get BWFC back on track.

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Charles EnZog says...
2:02pm Wed 10 Oct 12

Mick McCarthy - Track Record in bring teams up and then back down again
Alex McLeish - Will make the football under megson look like the barca years
Jimmy P / Sammy Lee - leave them in place, youth system needs consistency
Alan Curbs - will not go north of the Watford gap
Paolo Di Canio - Neo Nazi
Keith Hill - Unless Rochdale is our aim, then no

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JOHN HIGHAM says...
2:02pm Wed 10 Oct 12

No matter who takes over they would need a miricle to get Bolton back in the PREM... I have read ALL the replies on here and only ONE goes near the truth..

northernsoul16 says...
8:27pm Tue 9 Oct 12

Should never have let Big Sam go !”


But sam was never given any support from Gartside or Davies, Also with the club owing so much money do you think that they can afford a team that will be able to get them back into the PREM ??????? So it starts with the basics and the FANS are the people that hold the key to get bolton out are the garrbage now.. and I put it down to the fans to START going to the match and watch bolton because without the fans that means NO MONEY going into the club or the club gets sold to some super rich arabs that can afford to buy players like that happened at Man City...........


Life is so simple when you think about it

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Roman Basiuk says...
2:49pm Wed 10 Oct 12

Billy Davies is your man. Good coach, can work on small budget and takes no nonesense.

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Craig R says...
8:36pm Wed 10 Oct 12

Great shame Owen Coyle's time at BWFC didn't work out. The next man in will need to replace most of our inept defenders; I can't believe Riley, Alonso, Ricketts and Ream aren't better than the present bunch. I'd even suggest Kevin Davies should have been released before last season even started- I know that's not going to go down well many Bolton fans.
Dream team for me would be Big Sam and Phil Brown bringing back Kevin Nolan and Dioufy with them.
As the dream team isn't happening of the "contenders" some truly scare and depress me but I'd take my chances with Solksjaer.

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DBoardy says...
9:07pm Wed 10 Oct 12

Sorry to dissapoint but I was told 3 weeks ago that if Owen Coyle got the boot Alan Curbishley had already been approached to replace him

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davoovad says...
10:42pm Wed 10 Oct 12

ke1979 wrote:
For me nothing wrong with Keith Hill. He comes across well on the football league show and he did do a good job at Rochdale. His record at Barnsley isn't great though and i'm not sure he is a big enough name to appease most Wanderers fans. That said, we got who the Wanderers fans wanted last time round and that hasn't worked out too well has it.
Comes across well you say, well i've never seen anyone better than coyle on the telly, maybe we should try someone who knows a bit other than being a mouthpiece for once.
Mcleish. no no no no, i'd have megson back first.

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the big dog says...
9:23am Thu 11 Oct 12

Owen was a sycophantic, cobblers talking numpty. We got the same drivvle week in and week out. 'Barclays Premier league' 'Great support from the fans' 'Poor decision by the referee' All the standard jargon. It was an insult to anybody with an IQ in double figures. He had to go - just as a reminder we were 6th IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE at Christmas 2010. He can't say he hasn't had a bit of slack to straighten things out.

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tommy says...
10:27am Thu 11 Oct 12

Billy Davies would be a good man considering the options Bolton have. He's still missed sorely by some Forest fans as he did a top job on a small budget. He kept them up at the end of 08/09 and by Christmas the following season, they were in the top 2.

Word of warning though, when he doesn't get his way, he throws his toys out of the pram. With Gartside keeping his purse tight, it'll surely rile him and he'll go crying to the media.

What some fans don't realise is that when you're in the championship with little money, you're going to attract squat. I doubt you'd be able to pry managers from other champ clubs on that budget. You have to settle on the unemployed or the lower down.

But yeah, Billy Davies for me.

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byrom57 says...
10:52am Thu 11 Oct 12

i think people are missing the point, when big sam left , phil gartside should have replaced him with like for like, an experienced premiership manager we were middle table in the prem and there were people available, but he took the cheap option and appointed the wrong men, sammy lee , a follower not a leader, megson, etc , someone on the blog mentioned rafa benitez thats the calibre of manager we should be recruiting, someone with proven ability in the prem or else we will appoint a keith hill or a phil brown and maybe get promotion and have to sack them next season when we are bottom of the prem table, mr gartside has made some shocking desicions in the last few years a point echoed by alan gowling in this newspaper, unfortunately its the managers who get the flack and not him, he is the one who appointed them in the first place.

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steveG says...
10:44pm Thu 11 Oct 12

Sammy Lee will remain in charge for as long as the Chairman can get away with it.
Firstly he's cheap and second he's made so many poor decisions he'll secretly want to right one of them.
Phil Gartside has made one good decision in the whole of his tenure - appointing Sam Allardyce.

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bdi says...
6:58am Fri 12 Oct 12

Not many of the choices appeal to me, but if I had my tuppence worth in any appointment of new manager, then I would be asking P.G. to consider Steve Coppell.

I honestly do think he could get us out of this division and back into the Prem.

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tommy says...
10:17am Fri 12 Oct 12

bdi wrote:
Not many of the choices appeal to me, but if I had my tuppence worth in any appointment of new manager, then I would be asking P.G. to consider Steve Coppell.

I honestly do think he could get us out of this division and back into the Prem.
I don't respect Coppell in the slightest. He just walks out on clubs when he decides he can't be arsed. Wrong choice for me.

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DaveLister says...
12:56pm Fri 12 Oct 12

Lets be realist here, doesn't matter what the fans think the manager will be the manager. The real problem here is Phil Gartside, as long as he is in place we will only get a third rate manager, after Sam left, mostly likely down to problems with Gartside, all managers will know how Gartside operates, so we can look forward to some has been from league two.

I would welcome Hill, Mcleish or McCarthy all of which are very capable of getting Bolton back up next season, only a miricle work will get them back this season.

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