Dougie Freedman: Bolton Wanderers manager leaves club

Dougie Freedman leaves Bolton with the club sat second bottom in the Championship

Bolton Wanderers manager Dougie Freedman has left the Championship club by mutual consent.

The 40-year-old joined from Crystal Palace in October 2012 and they missed out on the play-offs on goal difference in his first season.

Wanderers finished 14th last term, but have won just once in 10 league games so far and sit second bottom.

After his last game in charge at home, Freedman admitted the job was proving more difficult than he expected.

"Dougie has worked tirelessly off the field to improve the infrastructure of the football club," said Wanderers chairman Phil Gartside.

"Unfortunately recent results on the pitch have not reflected all his work off it.

"The club has faced a difficult time following our relegation from the Premier League, and Dougie has helped to restructure the club in order for it to become successful again under ever-tightening constraints.

"I would like to thank Dougie personally for all his commitment and efforts for Bolton Wanderers."

Freedman replaced Owen Coyle who was sacked after Bolton had a disappointing start to their first campaign following relegation from the Premier League.

Former Scotland international striker Freedman has had to trim the wage bill at the Macron Stadium after Bolton's 11-year stay in the top flight ended, and last year they announced their debts were up to £163.8m.

During last month's home defeat by Derby, chants of 'Freedman out' and 'Gartside out' were directed at the manager and chairman from some supporters.

You can hear more about Freedman's departure from Bolton on BBC Radio Manchester's Manchester Sports show from 18:00-19:00 BST on Friday.