Gary Megson has been sacked as manager of Bolton Wanderers with
first team coach Steve Wigley and assistant manager Chris Evans
taking over first-team duties with immediate effect.
Megson saw his side throw away a two-goal lead against Hull on
Tuesday and he was rounded-on by fans, who booed his decision to
take off top-scorer Ivan Klasnic.
A statement on the club's official website said: "Gary Megson
has been relieved of his duties as First Team Manager of Bolton
Wanderers Football Club with immediate effect.
"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 had endured a strained relationship with the Bolton fans
ever since he arrived at the Reebok in October 2007 to replace
Sammy Lee.
He steered the club away from relegation after an abysmal start
to the campaign by Lee and achieved a mid-table finish last season.
But with only eight victories under his belt in the past 12 months,
fans had become increasingly frustrated, frequently venting their
anger by booing Megson.
Chairman Phil Gartside said in early December that points
targets had been set for the festive schedule, and though the game
against Wigan Athletic was postponed, it is believed that Wanderers
failed to reach the mark.
The Trotters currently lie 18th in the Premier League table,
behind West Ham on goal difference, but they have two games in hand
on the Hammers and have not lost in five games.
Bolton have an FA Cup clash with Lincoln this weekend before
away league clashes at Arsenal and Sunderland, a return home match
against the Gunners, a visit of Burnley and a trip to Anfield to
face Liverpool.
Former Manchester City boss Mark Hughes and ex-Peterborough
manager Darren Ferguson have emerged as the early favourites to
take-up the vacancy.
