Gary Megson is one of the latest managerial casualties in a season packed with boss bashing.
Along with Paul Hart and Mark Hughes, the 50-year-old became the third Premiership manager to lose his job.
Megson took over at Bolton in November 2007 with the Trotters bottom of the table. He managed to guide them away from the relegation zone and last season they finished 13th.
Givemefootball’s Lawrie Madden caught up with him.
Q: How did you find out about losing your job?
A: The Chairman Phil Gartside rang me the day after the Hull game and started by saying ‘there is no easy way of saying this’. When a Chairman says that you tend to know what’s coming and he said that he was making a change.
Q: What is your position now in terms of your contract with Bolton?
A: I think the term is described as ‘gardening leave’. I will be paid every week for the next year. It is not ideal being paid every week for the next 52 weeks. I would have preferred in this day and age to have come to a settlement and then moved on quickly but that is the way it is.
Q: What are your thoughts on Owen Coyle taking the job?
A. I don’t know Owen very well except when we met about a month ago when we played each other. He has done a fantastic job and I wish him all the best in the job and hope he does well.
Q: How will you look back on your time at Bolton?
A: I think I leave with my head held high. When I took over the club was in a mess on and off the field. We were bottom of the league and managed to survive and the following season we finished 13th. Off the field, the finances were pulled in and we lived within our means more.
Q: A lot has been made about your relationship with the fans?
A: It didn’t start well with them and it never really improved. There were some who didn’t want me from the start but it is about the club and Bolton are now established as a Premiership club.
Q: Are you looking to get back quickly into management?
A: You don’t know what is around the corner. At the moment I am out of work and trying to relax. I use to get up at 5am in the morning and drive over to Bolton to work so at least i can get a lie-in these cold mornings.
