Bolton part company with manager Dougie Freedman

DOUGIE Freedman has left Bolton Wanderers after a run of poor results left them languishing in the Sky Bet Championship’s relegation zone.
Dougie Freedman feels the strain during Bolton's match at Watford in August. Picture: GettyDougie Freedman feels the strain during Bolton's match at Watford in August. Picture: Getty
Dougie Freedman feels the strain during Bolton's match at Watford in August. Picture: Getty

Bolton have won just one of their opening 10 games, with the 4-0 rout by Fulham on Wednesday evening proving the final straw, with former Scotland international Freedman leaving by mutual consent on the eve of the club’s match with Bournemouth.

Freedman left Crystal Palace in October 2012 to take up the vacancy at the Reebok Stadium, with the Trotters in 16th place in the second tier of English football - 12 places below the Eagles in fourth.

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His first match ended in a 2-1 win over Cardiff City, with the team remaining unbeaten throughout November. After an impressive run of results, taking Bolton to 7th, the side narrowly missed out on the play-offs and Freedman picked up the Manager of the Month award for April 2013.

Freedman endured a torrid first full season in charge, with Bolton finishing 14th.

Chairman Phil Gartside thanked Freedman for working ‘tirelessly off the field to improve the infrastructure of the club’, adding: “Unfortunately, recent results on the pitch have not reflected all his work off it.

“The club has faced a difficult time following our relegation from the Premier League and Dougie has helped to restructure the club in order for it to become successful again under ever-tightening constraints.

“I would like to thank Dougie personally for all his commitment and efforts for Bolton Wanderers.”