Source: Daily_Mail
Gary Megson admits he couldn't win over Bolton fans
Unpopular: Bolton fans never warmed to Gary Megson despite keeping them in the Premier League[LNB] Former Bolton manager Gary Megson has conceded the club's fans never liked him from day one. [LNB]Megson's unpopular two-year reign at the Reebok Stadium came to an end when he was sacked by the Wanderers hierarchy a fortnight ago. [LNB]Megson was booed when he was introduced to the crowd as Sammy Lee's successor ahead of a UEFA Cup tie against Braga in October 2007 - and things went downhill from there. [LNB]The 50-year-old told Sky Sports News: "Braga - it started from that point onwards and just continued for a long time. [LNB]"It made life difficult but there were some good times - not particularly with the supporters, but the staff, that I wouldn't swap for the world." [LNB]Megson's former assistant announced tonight he is also to leave Bolton after rejecting the chance to work under new manager Owen Coyle. [LNB]Coyle took charge of Bolton on Friday, taking up the reins from Evans who had served as caretaker boss following Megson's exit. [LNB] Evans, appointed by Megson shortly after his arrival at the Reebok Stadium in October 2007, at least managed to steer Bolton into the last 32 of the FA Cup with a 4-0 third-round win over Lincoln. [LNB]But despite being given the opportunity to work with Coyle, Evans has felt it in his best interests to part company with Bolton. [LNB] "Having been invited by Owen to discuss the possibility of a role in his newly-formed management team, I felt with due consideration that Owen, Bolton Wanderers and myself should start afresh," said Evans on Bolton's official website. [LNB] "I wish to place on record my sincere gratitude to the players and staff for the support I have been given over the past three seasons. [LNB] Protest: A Disgruntled Bolton fan holds up a banner during the 2-2 with Hull - Megson's last game in charge[LNB] "I am particularly grateful to the chairman Phil Gartside, chief executive Allan Duckworth and Eddie Davies for their backing throughout. [LNB] "Gary Megson gave me a tremendous opportunity in becoming his assistant and to be part of this club, and I thank him wholeheartedly for that. [LNB] "I enjoyed every single moment here and I wish Owen, his management team and all at Bolton Wanderers continued success in the future." [LNB]Gartside expressed his gratitude to Evans for his time at the club. [LNB]"Chris was 100% committed to the cause of Bolton Wanderers and I want to place on record our thanks and great appreciation for all his efforts during his time at the football club," said Gartside. [LNB]Steve Wigley and Alan Cork, appointed in the summer of 2008 by Megson as head coach and assistant head coach respectively, have been relieved of their duties. [LNB] It's not about the money: Coyle insists he had to leave Burnley for BoltonBrian Laws the surprise choice to replace Owen Coyle at Burnley[LNB] [LNB]
