Bookies have installed Mick McCarthy as the massive favourite to replace Coyle.

He can be backed as short as 11/4 at Ladbrokes, with the next candidate – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – way back at 8/1.

Defeat to Millwall on their last outing was the final nail in Coyle’s coffin, with the Trotters languishing dismally in 18th place, just three points off the drop zone.

Ladbrokes had Bolton marked down as pre-season favourites for the Championship title, with failure to secure automatic promotion almost unconsidered.

At BetVictor Mick McCarthy is is 7/4 fav to be the next manager of Bolton Wanderers. It puts Alan Curbishley at 6/1, Ole Gunnar -Solksjaer at 7/1 and Rafa Benitez at 12/1.

Spokesperson Charlie McCann: “We have been betting on the next manager at the Club for over a week now and former Wolves and Republic of Ireland manager McCarthy has been the mover in recent days although once again United’s former legend Ole Gunner Solksjaer has been well backed and is now 7/1.”

Next Bolton Manager (Ladbrokes)

11/4 Mick McCarthy
8/1 Ole Gunnar Solksjaer
10/1 Sammy Lee
12/1 Alan Curbishley
14/1 Alex McLeish
14/1 Billy Davies
25/1 Steve Bruce
25/1 Alan Shearer
20/1 Dean Holdsworth
25/1 Paulo Di Canio
28/1 Paul Ince
10/1 Roy Keane
18/1 Phil Brown
10/1 Ian Holloway
28/1 Steve Keane
10/1 Karl Robinson
20/1 Gareth Southgate
25/1 Harry Redknapp
33/1 Ivan Campo