After days of speculation and numerous attempts, it appears that Bolton finally have their man.
Gary Megson has decided, less than two months after Milan Mandaric had plucked him out of the managerial wilderness, that he wants to leave the Foxes for premiership side Bolton.
Milan Mandaric had initially tried to stop his manager leaving the club, but has no resigned himself to the fact that he will again have to search for a new manager. In a statement earlier today Mandaric said
‘Gary left me no choice when he informed me he wanted to leave Leicester and talk to Bolton.’
He added: ‘The search for a new manager begins in earnest.’
Fans however will not be too upset with Megson’s departure. During his time at Leicester Megson made his mark on the team by transforming the side into a very defensive team, frequently fielding defensive players in more advanced positions.
The fans annoyance with this was typified by the boos last night as City failed to score for the 2nd game running as they were defeated by a Sheffield United who had previously failed to win away all season.
Rumours of the new City manager will now start in earnest and an early front runner appears to be Ian Dowie, who Manaric has previously tried to lure to the City post.
With Coventry failing to produce the funds promised to Dowie, they may opt to take a hefty compensation package from Leicester in return for the ex-Palace boss.
Milan’s own attempts to extract compensation from Bolton look to have stumbled on the revelation that Megson had yet to sign a formal agreement with the club, Milan had wanted £300,000 from Bolton in return.
City fans have shown a mixed response to Megson, with about half telling Bolton hands off and half giving Megson their blessing, and possibly the offer of a lift, to go to the Reebok.
Gerry Taggart and Frank Burrows remain at the club currently and are set to take charge this weekend against Barnsley. It remains to be seen whether Megson will attempt to take Burrows and ex-Bolton defender Taggart with him to the North-East.
Megson’s (brief) City record
September 13, 2007 – October 24, 2007 P9 W3 D2 L4 %33.33
What do you think
What do you think about Megson’s departure, who will City bring in now?
Are you a Bolton fan? Are you as surprised as us with your new manager?
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really?? How stange! That is an odd one! He is not good enough for them.
I think Leicester fans will be very happy now.Not sure who you bring in tho Lucks like Dowie if he gets to spend money.
No! Dowie?? This is all very strange! Allen would have been fine.
I say agin: is it because he wants to work for free?
I think Dowie is the early favourite and would be more than welcome at The Walkers Stadium after the performances of Megson’s side.
Collins John and Chris Coleman could link up again though, maybe Mandaric bought in John with a view to luring Coleman.
I think not giving Allen a fair go will come back and bite us
Do like Coleman, he’s a good manager. Agree about the Allen comment too!
I was disapointed MM let allen go, I thought he would have done a very good job for you, I was suprised you went for GM and even more suprised he looks to be going to Bolton. I would like to see you go for Paul Ince who I believe will be an excellent manager, who with the right support would get you to the play offs this season.
Ince has been on the last couple of shortlists but is lacking experience in the higher leagues, didn’t stop us appointing Allen however but Mandaric may be wary about another up and coming manager from the lower leagues.
Queue another journeyman manager to take his place!
I think Paul Ince would be a good shout. What about Steve Staunton maybe.Suprised Blackpool Manger name aint been brought up an Ex Player too.
Megson grabbed the first opportunity he had been offered to get back in management at any level, even though his mate, Tony Pulis must have tried to warn him off about Mandaric. Not surprising then that he jumped at the first chance he had to get out and back to Prem footie.
Put it this way though: wouldn’t YOU want to manage in the Prem?
Megson has been booed for his boring football the last few home games. People at The Walkers actually go to the games and want to watch the football and be entertained to a certain extent. I can’t blame him for leaving, maybe Bolton is the best place for him but I very much doubt he will keep them up.
That’s for sure! Seems like there are some vested interests going on at Bolton.