DOUGIE Freedman has parted company with Bolton Wanderers just 20 days shy of his second anniversary at the football club.

The 40-year-old took charge of 99 games in league and cup but following a 4-0 defeat at Fulham on Wednesday night the decision was taken to end his tenure at the Macron Stadium.

The club had indicated that Freedman would take charge of this afternoon’s home game against Bournemouth despite planned protests from fans against the manager and chairman Phil Gartside.

Discussions took place this morning, however, that forced the club to take action.

“Dougie has worked tirelessly off the field to improve the infrastructure of the football club. Unfortunately, recent results on the pitch have not reflected all his work off it,” said Mr Gartside in a statement issued via the official Wanderers website.

“The club has faced a difficult time following our relegation from the Premier League and Dougie has helped to restructure the club in order for it to become successful again under ever-tightening constraints.

“I would like to thank Dougie personally for all his commitment and efforts for Bolton Wanderers.”

Supporter protests against Gartside’s management of the club are expected to go ahead from 2pm this afternoon.

Freedman was appointed in October 2012 after guiding Crystal Palace into the higher reaches of the Championship and enjoyed a successful first season, guiding Wanderers to a late run to seventh spot in the table, missing the play-offs by a single goal.

His first full season was considerably less successful, as the Whites embarked on their worst start for 111 years, winning just once in their first 13 games.

A mid-table finish did not help the manager’s popularity but he found himself under increasing pressure after a poor start to this season.

Bolton currently find themselves second-bottom of the table, four points away from safety in the relegation zone, after 10 games.

The club were last night preparing development squad coach Jamie Fullarton and Under-18s assistant coach Andy Hughes to take temporary charge of the game this afternoon, although academy boss Jimmy Phillips and Under-18s manager David Lee – both held in high regard from their playing careers at Wanderers – were also in the frame.