DOUGIE Freedman was officially sworn in as manager at the Reebok yesterday – and could soon be joined by trusted lieutenants Lennie Lawrence and Curtis Fleming.

The Scot finally completed the formalities of his move from Crystal Palace and is expected in town this morning at the club’s Euxton training ground, where the players will train around lunchtime.

Freedman will only be watching from the stands as interim boss Jimmy Phillips takes charge of his final game at Middlesbrough tomorrow, but is already formulating plans for his backroom staff.

Outspoken Palace joint-owner Steve Parish admitted yesterday that the vastly-experienced Lawrence and Eagles’ first team coach Fleming are shortly to follow Freedman to the North West.

But The Bolton News understands that their appointment does not necessarily mean the end of Phillips’, Sammy Lee’s and Julian Darby’s involvement with the first team.

In a statement released yesterday on the club website, Freedman hinted he had been impressed by the coaching structure put in place before his arrival.

“The club is geared up to getting back into the Premier League,” he said. “There is an impressive set-up and structure in place, and a first team squad of undoubted quality. I am excited about the challenge ahead of us.”

The continental approach adopted by the Wanderers boot room after they stepped into the breach just over a fortnight ago has been well received by the club’s hierarchy.

And it is likely that a similar system, with an emphasis on sports science, will be retained when Freedman sets to work on the training ground at the start of next week.

Lawrence and Fleming are set to take charge of Palace when they travel to Leicester City tomorrow.

But Palace chief Parish reckons it is highly likely they will choose to join the Glaswegian in his new role.

"I know it would be a difficult decision but he's become very close to Dougie, they have worked together very closely,” he said. “So maybe that is what happens.

“It’s fair to say that is probably what Dougie wants and I think we've got to look at it.”