TROTTERS PROTEST THREAT DID FOR DOUGIE
DOUGIE FREEDMAN was sacked by Bolton after fans threatened to stage a protest at yesterday’s home match against Bournemouth.
Despite a 4-0 midweek hammering at Fulham leaving the Trotters four points adrift of safety, Freedman received a stay of execution following crisis talks with Phil Gartside on Thursday.
The club even released a statement insisting the Scot would be taking his pre-match press conference on Friday.
But following an embarrassing pitch invasion during last week’s home defeat to Derby, angry fans’ groups threatened to escalate protests against Freedman and Gartside – forcing the chairman into a rethink.
“'Dougie has worked tirelessly off the field to improve the infrastructure of the football club,” said Gartside. “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.”
Freedman took charge in October 2012 and led the Trotters to within a point of the play-offs in his first season.
However, his two years in Lancashire have been set against a backdrop of costcutting and escalating debt, with Freedman known to be frustrated at his inability to reshape his squad – culminating in this summer’s failure to sign Lukas Jutkiewicz.
There have also been claims of dressing room unrest, with the likes of Chris Eagles and Tyrone Mears among several seemingly banished to the sidelines.
Jimmy Phillips took charge yesterday and is the bookies’ favourite to take permanent charge. However, ex-Cardiff chief Malky Mackay is believed to be the Trotters’ No.1 target.