Next Bolton manager: We look at the potential candidates to replace Dougie Freedman

Despite being renowned as one of the more patient chairmen in the Sky Bet Football League, with just five different managers in charge at Bolton over the last 15 years, Phil Gartside has begun his search for a new boss following Dougie Freedman’s departure.

Here, we look at the leading contenders for the post according to Sky Bet’s next Bolton manager odds:

Phil Brown – 4/5

The Southend manager is being backed to return to where it all began for him, having cut his teeth as a young coach at Bolton before being handed his first chance as caretaker boss following Colin Todd’s departure. After being replaced by Sam Allaryce following five games in charge, Brown served as assistant to the current West Ham boss for six years. He then went on to manage Derby, Hull and Preston and is now rebuilding his reputation at Southend, with the Shrimpers just three points off the top of the Sky Bet League 2 table after 11 games.

Tony Mowbray – 7/2

The former Hibernian, West Brom, Celtic and Middlesbrough boss has attracted more money than any other candidate in Sky Bet’s market. Reports suggest he is likely to be on Gartside’s shortlist but a disappointing spell at Parkhead and a poor end to his time at Middlesbrough could count against him. Mowbray has been out of work since leaving Boro in October and is keen to get back into management.  

Nigel Clough – 8/1

Clough has enhanced his reputation with an impressive 12 months at Sheffield United, losing just 12 of his 53 games in charge. The Blades were languishing at the bottom of the table when he was handed the reins and went on to finish seventh, the same position they occupied before Saturday’s 3-2 derby defeat to Chesterfield. However, Clough has attracted less bets than any of the main contenders in Sky Bet’s market with the Blades likely to be reluctant to allow him to leave.

Malky Mackay – 9/1

The former Cardiff boss has emerged as a surprise name near the head of the betting, with reports suggesting he is in the frame. The Scotsman had looked set be appointed as Crystal Palace manager before news broke that the FA were investigating a dossier compiled by the Bluebirds regarding his misconduct. It would be somewhat of a surprise to see him get another managerial position so soon after being embroiled in such controversy, but the odds suggest it could be a possibility.

Other options

In such a wide-open market, it certainly wouldn’t be a shock to see an alternative to the aforementioned get the job. Brian McDermott and David Jones are both considered 10/1 chances, while Jimmy Phillips, who impressed during his caretaker stint before Freedman was appointed, was installed as the initial favourite but has since drifted out to 12/1. Lee Turner and Andy Hughes have been put in temporary charge but are dismissed in the betting, with the former 40/1 and the latter not even making the market.

Odds subject to change