Bolton Wanderers have confirmed Gary Megson has been sacked as manager with the club in the Premier League relegation zone.
Position in bottom three leads to manager's dismissal
Bolton Wanderers have confirmed Gary Megson has been sacked as manager with the club in the Premier League relegation zone.
Speculation about Megson's future at the Reebok Stadium had intensified following the 2-2 draw at home to Hull City on Tuesday night.
The Trotters threw away a two-goal lead against their relegation rivals and fans called for Megson to be dismissed at the final whistle.
Megson has been unable to win over the Bolton faithful since being appointed manager in October 2007, just a few weeks after he had taken charge of Leicester City.
During his first season, he steered the club to survival and last term Bolton finished the campaign in 13th place.
However, the team have struggled for consistency this season and the stalemate with Hull left Bolton inside the bottom three due to their inferior goal difference.
With the transfer window about to open, Bolton have decided to act now and have placed Chris Evans and Steve Wigley in caretaker charge ahead of Saturday's FA Cup third-round tie against Lincoln City.
Hard work
A club statement read: "Gary Megson has been relieved of his duties as first-team manager of Bolton Wanderers Football Club with immediate effect.
"The decision has been taken in the light of the position the club finds itself in the Barclays Premier League at the halfway point of the season.
"Assistant manager Chris Evans and first-team Coach Steve Wigley will take charge of first-team matters for the interim period.
"The club wishes to place on record its thanks to Gary Megson for his hard work and commitment to Bolton Wanderers during his tenure as manager."
Megson's style of football and tactics have regularly been criticised by the supporters, who were unhappy with his decision to substitute goalscorer Ivan Klasnic against Hull.
And, speaking after what proved to be his final match at the helm, Megson acknowledged his concern that he would never be able to win over the Bolton fans.
