10:59am Friday 19th October 2007
By Gordon Sharrock
BOLTON Wanderers' search for a new manager has already taken them from Birmingham to the Basque region of Spain.
While Reebok officials maintained a diplomatic silence on the question of who they want to succeed Sammy Lee, it emerged yesterday that they have made approaches for Birmingham City boss, Steve Bruce, and the Real Sociedad manager, Chris Coleman.
Early inidications are that both bids were unsuccessful and that they may have to look elsewhere. But comfirmation of the approaches has drastically shortened the odds on Bruce and Coleman becoming the next Bolton manager.
Paul Jewell, remains a firm favourite with the bookmakers, but it has become clear over the past 24 hours that the former Wigan manager is not the only name on the short-list, if indeed his name is there at all.
There appeared to be no question that Bruce was on Phil Gartside's radar after the Blues' boss confirmed earlier speculation that on Wednesday night, just hours after Lee had quit the Reebok, the Wanderers' chairman approached St Andrew's chiefs seeking permission to speak to their man.
"My first reaction was that they've seen the type of job I've done and would like permission to speak to me," Bruce told Sky Sports News. "That hasn't been granted so I'll accept that."
Then, later in the day, came confirmation from Coleman's representative, Alan Smith, that Wanderers also wanted to speak to the former Fulham manager, who joined the Spanish second division club in the summer.
Smith, who was Coleman's manager at Crystal Palace and was once interviewed himself for the Bolton job, contradicted claims that the former Wales international was unsettled at Sociedad.
"Bolton have asked for permission to speak to Chris," Smith said. "It's a very interesting proposition for him to return to the Premier League, but at the same time he is happy in Spain. We have already turned down an enquiry from another English club."
It remains to be seen whether Wanderers will pursue their interest in either man, but, with Bruce reportedly unsettled by a proposed change of ownership, the time could be right to test Birmingham's resolve.
The 46-year-old, has been at St Andrew's for six years and has twice steered the Blues to promotion to the Premier League. So it is no surprise, after Lee was found wanting for experience, that the Reebok hierarchy have targeted a manager with a more extensive CV.
The former Manchester United captain managed Sheffield United, Huddersfield, Wigan and Crystal Palace before joining Birmingham in 2001.
That season he steered the Blues to the top flight and kept them there for four years. When they were relegated two seasons ago, the St Andrew's board stood by him and their loyalty was rewarded when they were promoted back to the Premiership at the first attempt. But Bruce is now seeking assurances over his future in the light of Hong Kong businessman, Carson Yeung's proposed takeover.
Graeme Souness, John Collins, Gary Megson and Peter Reid feature in the betting frame behind Jewell.
Phil Brown, meanwhile, has ruled out a Reebok return.
The Hull boss, who quit Wanderers to manage Derby in the summer of 2005 denied any interest in the job.
"I am very happy with the job I'm doing here," said Brown, whose association with the club goes back to 1988.
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