WANDERERS supporters' long wait for a new manager is almost over.

The Whites have now been without a leader for 12 weeks but The Bolton News has been told the final interview will take place today – and just one candidate remains.

While the shortlist could not be shorter, the identity of the last man standing remains a closely-guarded secret, although it is understood two men not in the frame are Steve Evans and Alan Stubbs.

Evans was dismissed by Leeds United last night, after the club had been interviewing possible replacements. Stubbs had been scheduled for an interview after leading Hibernian to Scottish Cup success but the former Wanderer has now agreed a three-year deal to become manager of Rotherham United.

"Steve Evans is not of interest, there has been no approach from either party at any stage," revealed Ken Anderson's son Lee, currently working at the club in a player recruitment role. "Alan Stubbs is obviously a good manager and an ex-Bolton player but he is not being considered for the position either.

"We're pretty much there, everything should be completed by the end of the week, and we believe things will start to happen quite quickly once we have made this appointment."

As for the man in question the favourites are thought to be Nigel Adkins, Steve Cotterill and Brian McDermott.

Adkins, recently sacked by Sheffield United, has three third-tier promotions on his CV while Cotterill won the 2014/15 League One title with Bristol City. It is understood McDermott was invited to apply by Bolton's chairman hours after being dismissed by Reading.

"This is a vital decision for the club and a choice we want to get right," added Anderson. "We showed potential managers our infrastructure and made it clear where we want to take the club. There is a lot to consider and we have gone through a number of potential managers. We have to get a feel for them and then go away and think hard about what is the best move for the club."

While it is clear the imminent appointment has taken longer than anyone anticipated when Neil Lennon was clearing his desk in mid-March Anderson – who, like his father, has a background in football agency – says it is more important to make the right choice than a hasty one.

And with one candidate remaining it would, at long last, seem things are about to happen at Bolton.