Bolton: Who will replace Owen Coyle at the Reebok?

The search to replace Owen Coyle is on and there has been a mixture of experienced and young and upcoming managers linked with the vacant post, but who is the right man to replace Coyle and get the Wanderers back into the Premier League?

Bolton needs someone with a bit of clout about them. Someone who is tactically smart and a great man motivator, but most importantly they have to be able to get results.

The challenge of guiding Wanderers back to the Premier League at the first time of asking is one that every unemployed manager will be wanting to secure for themselves. The Reebok can be a horrible place when the fans go against you - just ask Gary Megson - but if you do well by the fans they will give you all of their support.

So here is a rundown of the main runners and riders in the race to become the new Bolton boss and my assessment on their chances of landing the job.

Mick McCarthy

Not too many managers know the Championship better than Mick McCarthy. The former Republic of Ireland coach has won promotion to the Premier League twice with Sunderland and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Unfortunately his record in the top flight isn't so great, but Bolton need to get out of this division before they can worry about about trips to Arsenal and Manchester United again. McCarthy would almost definitely get them up.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

The former United striker is making headlines in Norway and has obviously learned a thing or two from Sir Alex Ferguson. This would be a huge appointment for Bolton. Another young and promising manager with the world at his feet. He would also know the area well following his time at Old Trafford. The Baby Faced Assassin has a great career ahead of him and it's only a matter of time before we see him back on these shores. But will it be to join Bolton?

Michael Appleton

The Portsmouth boss is doing a grand job at Fratton Park despite the ongoing financial trouble down there. Most managers would jump at the chance of ditching League One for the challenge of the Championship, but there's no bigger challenge in the game right now than getting Pompey's future settled once and for all. He has pledged his future to the club and I would be shocked if he did leave.

Billy Davies

Like McCarthy, the fiery wee Scot knows the Championship like the back of his hand. He has reached the play-offs with Preston, Derby and Nottingham Forest on numerous occasions, even winning a final with the Rams to take them into the top flight. However, Davies has a reputation for opening the chequebook and is said to be a difficult man to work with. He would do a job but it wouldn't be without a bit of grief.

Dougie Freedman

Another Scot, Freedman is currently earning his corn at Crystal Palace. He earned a famous win at Old Trafford last season in the Carling Cup and has a 35 per cent win record at Selhurst Park. Having spent 10 years, on and off, at Palace, I would be surprised to see him jump ship for a team that is below Bolton in the table, especially when the Eagles are just three points off the summit.

Alex McLeish

The former Rangers and Scotland boss cast a huge cloud over the city of Birmingham over the past five years with some less than inspiring football, but McLeish is a very knowledgeable manager. Defensively is where it's at for McLeish. The former Aberdeen defender, who enjoyed so much success as a player under Sir Alex Ferguson in the 80s, knows that you can't lose if the opposition doesn't score. However, he often forgets that you need to score to win games. I don't think he would be universally welcomed by the Bolton fans but he would do a job.

Paolo Di Canio

The Swindon Town boss and West Ham legend, Di Canio has said to be thrilled at being linked with the vacant post and he would certainly liven things up at the Reebok. The controversial Italian doesn't suffer fools gladly and will take you off if you are not producing the goods - as Swindon's keeper recently found out to his cost. Di Canio demands 100 per cent every game and is another manager who is destined for the big time. But will he be persuaded to leave Swindon?

Other names in the frame include Blackburn Rovers' target Alan Shearer, former Liverpool hard man Graeme Souness, Big Sam's former number two at the Reebok Phil Brown, England's Gary Neville and Manchester United legend Roy Keane.

But who do you think can lead the Wanderers back to the Premier League?

Whatever your view, we'd love to hear from you.

Related Articles:

Bolton Wanderers: Coyle has no defence over axe