• The Championship

Bolton axe Owen Coyle

ESPN staff
October 9, 2012
Owen Coyle © Getty Images
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Bolton Wanderers have parted company with manager Owen Coyle.

Coyle was handed the chance to take Bolton back into the Premier League, following their relegation last term, but he has paid the price for a disappointing start to life in the Championship. The Trotters are 18th in the table, 10 points adrift of the automatic promotion places, after 10 games.

The disappointing start prompted chairman Phil Gartside to take action, with the club confirming Coyle - who took charge in early 2010 - had been "relieved of his duties as manager".

"Owen poured his heart and soul into the job, both on and off the pitch, and he led our club with great dignity during some very challenging times," Gartside told the club's official website. "It is the right time for a change. We set a target at the beginning of the season and want to get back on track.

"I would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Owen, Sandy Stewart and Steve Davis for all their hard work during their time at Bolton Wanderers."

Coyle said: "I have always been driven to act in the best interests of the club and care passionately about it. I had fantastic times here as a player and it has been a privilege to have held the post of manager."

The search for a replacement is underway, but academy manager Jimmy Phillips and head of academy coaching and development Sammy Lee have been placed in interim control.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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