Dougie Freedman confirmed as Bolton manager

By ALAN ROBSON
Published on 25/10/2012 19:50

BOLTON Wanderers have confirmed Dougie Freedman as their new manager.

On Tuesday afternoon, Crystal Palace announced they had parted company with Freedman in order for him to replace Owen Coyle in the Reebok Stadium hotseat.

Wanderers were not forthcoming in rubber-stamping the move, with caretaker boss Jimmy Phillips told to prepare the team for Saturday’s trip to Middlesbrough but a statement on Bolton’s website yesterday announced the appointment.

Freedman said: “I am delighted to join Bolton. The club is geared up to getting back into the Premier League. There is an impressive set-up and structure in place, and a first team squad of undoubted quality. I am excited about the challenge ahead.”

Former Scotland striker Freedman took charge at Selhurst Park following George Burley’s departure in January last year and led the club to the League Cup semi-finals last season.

The 38-year-old’s star continued to rise in the current campaign as he led the Eagles to fourth place in the npower Championship on an eight-match unbeaten run at the time of his departure. That run included a 1-0 win at Bolton, one of the results which contributed to Coyle being dismissed after the Trotters won only three of their first 10 league matches following relegation from the Barclays Premier League. Ahead of this weekend’s trip to the Riverside Stadium, Bolton lie 16th in the table.

Talking to his club’s website about the appointment, Wanderers chairman Phil Gartside said: “Dougie is young and ambitious. When we met, his enthusiasm and knowledge of the game was evident. He has a real drive and passion and knows what we want to achieve and how we want to go about it. I am looking forward to working with Dougie to secure that.”