Owen Coyle Sacked by Bolton

09/10/2012

Bolton have sacked Owen Coyle, their manager, after an awful start to their season in the Championship.

They’ve won only three of their first 10 matches of the season. Mick McCarthy is the bookies favourite to replace him in the post.

The academy manager Jimmy Phillips will take charge of the first-team squad. Bolton’s next match comes at home on Saturday against Bristol City.

The Trotters currently lie a miserable 18th in the Championship table, after being relegated from the Premier League last year.

Coyle started his football career at Dumbarton and played for a number of teams in Scotland. He was capped once for the Republic of Ireland.

Bolton’s statement in full:

“Bolton Wanderers announce that Owen Coyle has been relieved of his duties as manager.

Chairman Phil Gartside said: “Owen poured his heart and soul into the job, both on and off the pitch, and he led our club with great dignity during some very challenging times.

“It is the right time for a change. We set a target at the beginning of the season and want to get back on track.

“I would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Owen, Sandy Stewart and Steve Davis for all their hard work during their time at Bolton Wanderers.”

Coyle said: “I have always been driven to act in the best interests of the club and care passionately about it.

“I had fantastic times here as a player and it has been a privilege to have held the post of manager.

“I want to thank the fans for their backing since I returned, the chairman Phil Gartside and the owner Eddie Davies for their support and friendship and the club’s staff and players for all their effort and commitment.

“I wish everyone connected with Bolton Wanderers all the very best.”

In the interim period, academy manager Jimmy Phillips and head of academy coaching and development Sammy Lee will take temporary charge of the first team squad.”