Bolton sack Megson

30 December 2009 11:27

Bolton Wanderers have confirmed that Gary Megson has been relieved of his duties as first-team manager following Tuesday's 2-2 draw with Hull City.

The former West Brom and Stockport County manager had been in charge at the Reebok Stadium wince October 2007 but was never popular among the club's fans.

He was booed by a section of the Reebok Stadium faithful after the game against the Tigers, a result that left Bolton in the bottom three.

The supporters were particularly angry when Megson opted to take Ivan Klasnic off when their side was leading 2-1.

A brief statement on Bolton's official website read: "The decision has been taken in the light of the position the club finds itself in the Barclays Premier League at the halfway point of the season.

"Assistant manager Chris Evans and first-team coach Steve Wigley will take charge of first-team matters for the interim period.

"The club wishes to place on record its thanks to Gary Megson for his hard work and commitment to Bolton Wanderers during his tenure as manager."

Megson admitted after Tuesday's draw: "The booing has started now to have an impact. It's difficult for the players to be playing in that atmosphere.

"I would make exactly the same decision (to substitute Klasnic) I did it again to try to keep hold of the game and keep that momentum.

"I made it against Burnley in a game I felt was slipping away from us and we got a point and no-one said a word. I made exactly the same decision against West Ham at 2-1 and we went on to win that one 3-1. No-one says a word.

"Today it went the other way and it was 2-2. I don't understand the reaction at all. Their reaction is one of 'This would happen, that would happen'.

"Everyone has an opinion but mine has consequence, therefore it becomes a decision.

"When Klas scores - and it is a fantastic goal and we knew what we were getting with Ivan - even then you are getting 'Megson, Megson, sign him up'.

"Who do they think brought him here in the first place?"

Source: DSG