We had to make the change, says Bolton Wanderers chairman Phil Gartside

The chairman admitted sympathy for Freedman, who – like himself – had come under heavy fire from Wanderers supporters during recent weeks, but felt a managerial change was a necessary measure in order to escape the bottom three.

Wanderers find themselves five points from safety after the weekend’s 2-1 home defeat to Bournemouth and Gartside admits Friday’s announcement, which he stressed was a mutual one, was made with a heavy heart.

“Obviously we are in a results-driven business and we had to look at it in the short-term and see whether it can be changed,” he told The Bolton News. “We need some points on the board that will help us avoid being in a relegation scrap.

“It fell on me to make that decision. I had a long conversation with him on Friday morning. I felt he was being treated unfairly by fans, and I don’t think anyone should be subjected to that in any shape or form.

“There are not many businesses or professions where you would get that.

“I spoke with Dougie and felt that for his benefit and for the benefit of the football club, we had to change something. But it was a mutual decision.”

Gartside begun the search for a replacement in earnest yesterday and it is understood he could hold talks with potential candidates by the end of the week.

Several big names have already thrown their hat into the ring with more than 20 names now contacting the club, in one way or another.

Ex-Sunderland boss Paolo di Canio and former Celtic boss Neil Lennon are the latest out-of-work managers to offer their services.

Gartside refused to speculate on individuals but outlined one criteria that the new man would have to fill.

“In terms of the last two years, there is a lot of good work that Dougie has put in place,” he said, in the first part of an interview that will be printed in full by The Bolton News tomorrow.

“There is actually quite a bit of unfinished business that someone has got to carry on.”