Jewell, Ferguson or Hughes? Names in the hat to be the new Bolton boss

31 December 2009 01:17
Christmas came late for Bolton fans this year but Trotters fans won't mind.[LNB]I'll give four to one on me being boss here on January 1: Did Gary Megson know his days were numbered? [LNB]They've got their wish, never-popular manager Gary Megson sacked after two years in charge at the Reebok with Bolton in the Premier League relegation zone.[LNB]Commemorative pies will be dunked into free-flowing hotpot as fans bid a delighted farewell to a manager so 'awful' he kept them up when they looked doomed in 2008 and guided them to mid-table security in 2009.[LNB]However, short of winning the Premier League the European Cup, X-Factor, Crufts and the British Grand Prix, Megson was never going to win over the Bolton fans, fed as they had been on the diet of success that was the Sammy Lee era (five points from ten games).[LNB]More likely, anyone who followed Sam Allardyce into the hotseat was onto a loser after his eight years of genuine success at the club.[LNB]Megson's biggest crime was that he was not Big Sam but the fans failed to respect the fact that he was no Little Sam either, their hatred of the 'Ginger Mourinho' reaching a head last night when he alone allowed a 2-0 lead at home to Hull become a 2-2 draw by making a substitution they did not agree with.[LNB] Well-loved by the fans: Gary Megson could do no right at Bolton[LNB]So who's next for the Bolton job? Sportsmail offers chairman Phil Gartside a helpful list of possible candidates.[LNB]THE 10 FAVOURITESDarren FergusonOut of work since his harsh sacking by Peterborough in November 2009, his lack of top-flight management experience could count against him. [LNB]Mark HughesOut of work since his harsh sacking by Manchester City last week, Sparky might not fancy a crack at another side like Blackburn and instead hold on for a better offer. But he is local...[LNB] Gary SpeedFour years as player at Bolton made him a fans' favourite and did manage the team in the immediate  days after Sam Allardyce's departure.[LNB]Steve CoppellUsed to working on limited resources, Coppell quit as Reading boss this year. Did a great job there, at Crystal Palace, Brighton and Brentford.[LNB] Alan CurbishleyOnce touted as a possible England boss, Curbishley has been out of work since leaving West Ham last year and itching to return.[LNB]Gareth SouthgateFired by Middlesbrough this season with them just outside the top two, Southgate's calm head could be just what Bolton need, but would fans agree?  [LNB] Alan ShearerThe Messiah of Newcastle failed to keep Toon up last season and although available, is unlikely to leave his TV sofa for chilly Bolton.[LNB]Paul JewellWas apparently at Gary Megson's last match and very keen to don the boss's coat again. Did a superb job at unfashionable Bradford and Wigan. [LNB] Slaven BilicWill the one-time scourge of England forsake Croatia and pitch up in Bolton for 20  'six-pointers'? Has said he wants a Premier League job, so here's his chance...[LNB]Steve McClarenCurrently rebuilding his career in Holland, the ex-England coach took Middlesbrough to the UEFA Cup Final so does possess the credentials if not a charismatic personality.    [LNB] ...AND THE COMPLETE OUTSIDERJose MourinhoWho needs the ginger version when you can have the real McCoy? Jose seems to be unhappy at Inter despite having a Champions League return to Chelsea to look forward to so could be tempted to have his wish for another job in England granted immediately.[LNB] Gary Megson sacked by Bolton after fans call for boss to be booted outTHE 2009/10 SACK RACE: You're fired! Ousted Bolton boss Gary Megson takes managerial casualty list to 26Megson tells angry Bolton fans: Taking off Klasnic was the right thing to doBolton 2 Hull City 2: Pressure point - Brown and Megson draw no comfortBOLTON WANDERERS FC

Source: Daily_Mail