Dougie takes Trotters hotseat
BOLTON have swooped to appoint a new manager after Dougie Freedman decided to spread his wings and leave Crystal Palace.
The Eagles boss was given permission to speak to the Trotters on Monday after an initial approach was rejected by the Selhurst Park club.
And yesterday he agreed a deal at the Reebok – taking over from his fellow Scot Owen Coyle, who was sacked earlier this month.
Having been unable to keep Bolton in the Premier League last term, Coyle presided over just three wins from the club’s opening 11 games.
Freedman, 38, emerged as first choice to replace Coyle after Mick McCarthy turned the job down last week.
The former Eagles striker was named their manager on a permanent basis in January 2011 and guided the club to a League Cup semi-final last season.
Palace co-chairman Steve Parish is frustrated to lose Freedman and revealed the club made their best offer to convince him to remain at Selhurst Park.
He said: “I thought it was exciting times ahead, but it’s not to be. We have got to move on and get a manager as soon as possible.
“It may boil down to more funds available and a better chance of promotion.
“I think that’s what most discussions centred around.”
Palace assistant boss Lennie Lawrence and first-team coach Curtis Fleming took charge for the game against Barnsley last night.