DISCUSSIONS on who will be considered to replace Phil Parkinson as Bolton Wanderers’ manager have already begun despite the club still waiting on a takeover.

Preferred bidders, the Football Ventures consortium, are understood to have made ‘provisional notes’ on who could step into the hotseat after Parkinson’s resignation was officially confirmed yesterday.

The sale of the club had still not been completed as The Bolton News went to press but it is understood the hotel could now be wrapped up quickly after administrators Quantuma had their appointment ‘perfected’ in court yesterday, allowing them to progress the deal without fear of legal reproach.

Jimmy Phillips took training at Lostock but the club have not confirmed if he will be in the dugout on Saturday against Ipswich Town.

Several familiar names have already moved to the fore including Kevin Nolan, Dean Holden, Keith Hill, Phil Brown and development squad coach David Lee.

Veteran midfielder Gary O’Neil, who completed his badges this summer and has been lined up for a playing contract this season, is another possibility in the short-term.

Wanderers issued a statement yesterday morning on the resignation of Parkinson and his assistant manager Steve Parkin.

“It is with great reluctance that Bolton Wanderers Football Club has accepted the resignations of Manager Phil Parkinson and Assistant Manager Steve Parkin from their positions at the University of Bolton Stadium.

“During what has been one of the most challenging periods in the club’s existence, both Phil and Steve conducted themselves with the utmost professionalism and dignity throughout.

“In their first season at the helm, following their arrival from Bradford City in the summer of 2016, they guided Bolton Wanderers to automatic promotion to the Sky Bet Championship at the first attempt whilst operating under a transfer embargo.

“Against all the odds, they helped to preserve the club’s Championship status the following season on the final day of the campaign with a memorable last gasp victory against Nottingham Forest.

“Everybody at Bolton Wanderers Football Club would like to thank Phil and Steve for their dedication and loyalty and we wish them the very best for the future.

“They leave the University of Bolton Stadium with their heads held high.”

Interest in the post is bound to be high despite the club’s recent problems, and the fact it sits on minus 11 points in the relegation zone of League One.

Ex-skipper Nolan has been looking for a new job since leaving Notts County, while another former player, Dean Holden, is currently assistant manager at Bristol City and regarded as one of the brightest young coaches in the game.

Former Rochdale and Barnsley boss Keith Hill has huge experience at this level of football, as does former Wanderers assistant boss Phil Brown – who is currently working in the Indian Super League.

Under-23s boss David Lee has voiced his hope to manage the first team in the past and would be another popular appointment among supporters.

The 36-year-old O’Neil has also talked about going into management but wants to continue playing in the short-term. He has been lined-up by Parkinson for a return to Bolton once the club comes out of administration.