DOUGIE Freedman has been named the npower manager of the month for April.

After taking Wanderers to the very brink of the play offs with 13 points from six games, the Whites boss beat off competition from Charlton’s Chris Powell and Brighton’s Gus Poyet.

Speaking about Freedman’s award, panel member Alan Curbushley said: “It was a great month for Dougie Freedman which resulted in an end-of-season surge for his side, who only just missed out on a play-off place.

“I am sure Bolton will be in contention again next season, in what would be his first full season in charge.”

Katy Thomas, commenting on behalf of sponsors npower, said: “While they will have been disappointed to have missed out on promotion this season, I’m sure Bolton Wanderers fans will now be looking forward to next season with a great deal of enthusiasm.”