Source: Daily_Mail
Bolton Wanderers chairman sacked boss Megson by mobile phone
Axed Bolton boss Gary Megson hit out last night at the way his styleof football had been savaged since his dismissal, describing thecriticism as 'galling'. [LNB]Megson also revealed that he had been sacked by Bolton chairman Phil Gartside by telephone, rather than face to face. [LNB] Cold and clinical: Gary Megson was sacked in a telephone call[LNB] BOLTON WANDERERS FC: All the latest news from across the webCoyle bids farewell to Burnley: Bolton chairman Gartside set to make official approachBolton 4 Lincoln 0: It's all too easy in the cup for managerless TrottersMegson was 'bitterly disappointed' at being ousted and blamed his exit on the club's low spending policy. [LNB]'We had two games in hand and with two more points we would have been 14th,' he told BBC Radio 5 Live prior to Bolton's 4-0 FA Cup third-round victory over Lincoln. [LNB]'If we had won one of those two games we would have been 12th, the highest position the club would have reached for two or three years.[LNB] 'We have scored the most goals from set-pieces in the Premier League and had one of the best away records. The problem was that the club is one of the lowest spending.' [LNB]Megson refused to accept Bolton's style justified the criticism that resulted in his sacking. [LNB]He said: 'I thought we were brilliant against Tottenham and against Manchester City. I find it galling to be criticised in that way, given the style of play that brought Bolton success in recent years. That involved big players up front and a very direct style.' [LNB]Megson appeared to be still in a state of shock at his dismissal on Wednesday and often spoke using the words 'we' and the present tense. [LNB]For example he said of the style of play: 'We are trying to change that . . .' [LNB]He also he insisted he had left the club in superb shape. [LNB]He added: 'Whoever gets this job is going to be very lucky because we haven't lost in four games and everything I could control - on the pitch - is in good shape.' [LNB]Megson's dismissal was abrupt. [LNB]He said: 'I was called at 9am and Phil told me, "There is no easy way of saying this so I suppose you know what is coming". I replied, "I'm not interested in the whys and wherefores of this, you've obviously made your decision so let's move on".' [LNB] In the running: Owen Coyle and Alan Curbishley[LNB]Bolton will make a formal approach to Burnley to make Owen Coyle their next manager. [LNB]Coyle, who used to play for Bolton, is the first choice of owner Eddie Davies and chairman Gartside and they feel confident of getting their man provided they can agree a £1million compensation figure with Burnley owner Harry Kilby. [LNB]If Burnley, who are battling to stay in the Premier League like Bolton, price Coyle out of the market, Wanderers are certain to turn to former Charlton and West Ham manager Alan Curbishley to keep them in the top flight.[LNB] Less experienced candidates like Darren Ferguson are likely to lose out as Bolton seek a manager with Premier League know-how to replace Megson, who was sacked after Tuesday's 2-2 home draw against Hull City in which he was booed repeatedly by the fans. [LNB]Gartside, who appointed the unpopular Megson, attempted to build bridges with the supporters in his programme notes for yesterday's FA Cup tie against Lincoln. [LNB]He said: 'The support at the Reebok over the years h as been a real factor in the success of the club. [LNB]'It is something very important. I thank you for your continued loyalty and attendance.' [LNB]Fan power is likely to work in Coyle's favour, with supporters retaining fond memories of the former Republic of Ireland star, who was a hard-working striker at Bolton in the Nineties.[LNB] BOLTON WANDERERS FC: All the latest news from across the webCoyle bids farewell to Burnley: Bolton chairman Gartside set to make official approachBolton 4 Lincoln 0: It's all too easy in the cup for managerless Trotters[LNB] [LNB]
