After all of yesterday's comments from Crystal Palace about Dougie Freedman not being allowed to talk to Bolton Wanderers, the Eagles finally relented and allowed Bolton to speak to the man they hoped would take charge of the men in white. Once Bolton had identified Freedman as the man they wanted in charge, things seemed to move quickly as reports of Freedman's offer leaked quickly.
Crystal Palace now seem to be on the hunt for their new manager after all indications point to Freedman agreeing with Bolton Wanderers. Compensation for Freedman's departure had been agreed upon by the two clubs and that is ultimately what caused Palace to relent on allowing Freedman to speak with the Trotters.
The man being touted for the apparently open Crystal Palace post is former manager Steve Coppell, who is currently serving as Director of Football for Crawley Town. Speaking back in May, Coppell reiterated his desire to return to football management:
"You never lose your passion for football. You get disenchanted sometimes. Maybe that happened to me. I don't know [if there is a long-term future at Crawley]. It's not my decision. It's one for other people."
Whether Freedman will be in charge of Crystal Palace for their match tonight against Barnsley remains to be seen but BBC Radio Manchester now "understand" that Dougie Freedman will be in charge of Bolton Wanderers for Saturday's match at Middlesbrough.
BBC Radio Manchester understands that Dougie Freedman will be in charge of Bolton for the game at Middlesbrough on Saturday. #bwfc (1/2)
— BBC Radio Manchester (@bbcradiomanc) October 23, 2012
Unclear whether Freedman will take charge of Crystal Palace tonight at Barnsley, after Bolton were given permission to speak with him (2/2)
— BBC Radio Manchester (@bbcradiomanc) October 23, 2012