Dougie Freedman leaves Bolton by mutual consent

Bolton Wanderers (13/8 for relegation) have confirmed that manager Dougie Freedman has left the club by mutual consent, following a dreadful start to the season. As a result, the club have cancelled their press conference today for their upcoming league fixture with Bournemouth, who they are 23/10 chances to beat.

The Trotters are down in 23rd position (second-bottom) in the Championship this term, having won just once and lost seven of their first 10 games, including their last three all without scoring.

Lancashire club Bolton said on Twitter: “We can confirm that manager Dougie Freedman has today left the club by mutual consent.”

Chairman Phil Gartside, meanwhile, added on their official website: “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.

“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.”

It seems that the final straw was the 4-0 thrashing by fellow strugglers Fulham at Craven Cottage, and the club will now be searching for a new manager. The likes of current academy manager and former Bolton player Jimmy Philips (7/2 favourite with Coral to be next permanent boss), who was joint-caretaker boss in 2012, Brian McDermott, Neil Lennon, Tim Sherwood, Billy Davies (all 10/1) and Malky Mackay (12/1) have all been linked with the job.

Fans had been vocal at recent Trotters’ games, calling for Freedman’s head, and the majority have now got their wish, with the announcement not a particular shock.

Before his departure, but following the Fulham fixture, the 40-year-old Scot has said: “I’m here to work, I’m here to do my very best and that’s what I’m doing right now.