Who could be the next manager of Bolton Wanderers?

It was confirmed earlier today that Keith Hill & David Flitcroft will leave Bolton Wanderers when their contracts expire at the end of the month.

The hometown pair took over in difficult circumstances at the end of August, signing nine players on deadline day, many of whom had not had the luxury of a pre-season. They started brightly, results started to pick up and the football was eye pleasing. Sadly, things slowly went downhill following that defeat against Accrington Stanley in November. After that day, the Whites would go on to win just twice, losing nine times.

Fans have been vocal in wanting a change & FV have felt it was time to take Wanderers in a new direction following the relegation to League Two.

Here are a few options Wanderers may consider as the new gaffer. Some realistic, some who will definitely hand in their CV -

The fan favourites:

David Lee

It’s no secret that Lee would love to opportunity to manage Bolton. Has done a fantastic job with the U23s, guiding them to the PDL regional & national titles in 2018. Has previously coached many of the players currently in the first team squad.

Kevin Nolan

Lost a two horse race to Keith Hill last August. Now a first team coach at West Ham, would he drop to League Two to manage Wanderers? Previously guided Notts County to the Play-Offs in 2018.

The experienced:

Nigel Clough

Left Burton Albion last month for financial reasons. Has clocked up 565 games as a manager, with his biggest accomplishment taking Burton to the Championship in 2016.

Paul Hurst

The 45 year old has managed 568 games. In over a decade, Hurst has guided Grimsby Town back to league football in 2016 & narrowly missed out on taking Shrewsbury Town to the Championship in 2018, losing in extra time to Rotherham United. Has gone on to have disappointing spells in charge of Ipswich Town & Scunthorpe United.

Chris Powell

In April, Powell left Dutch side ADO Den Haag, where he was assistant to Alan Pardew. Was a big success with Charlton Athletic, winning the League One title in 2012 & narrowly missing out on a play-off place the following season.

Paul Tisdale

Having spent twelve years & managed 626 games as Exeter City manager, Tisdale left in 2018 to take charge of fellow League Two side MK Dons. He successively guided MK to promotion back to League One at the first time of asking, though was sacked midway through the season.

Paul Heckingbottom

Initially taking over as caretaker manager, Heckingbottom was hugely successful as Barnsley manager, winning the EFL Trophy & the League One Play-Off final in 2016. He left to join Leeds United in 2018, though only lasted sixteen games. Currently out of work after a poor stint in charge of Hibs last season.

Simon Grayson

Sacked by Blackpool in February, Grayson has plenty of promotions on his CV. His first stint at Blackpool, his time with Leeds United & his spell at Preston North End are to be admired. The same can’t be said for his more recent time with Sunderland & Bradford City

Gary Bowyer

The former Blackburn Rovers boss guided Blackpool to promotion success to League One under difficult circumstances in 2017. Left Bradford City back in February.

Phil Brown

A name familiar to Wanderers fans. Recently spent time out in India as manager of Hyderabad FC. Went public with his desire to be Wanderers manager whilst in charge of Southend in 2016. Took Hull City into the Premier League in 2008 & earned headlines for a couple of on the pitch appearances. Also took Southend to League One in 2015.

The up & coming:

Jason Euell

The former Charlton Athletic forward recently did an interview with Sky Sports in which he stated he was ready for a management position. Euell already has eight years of experience at Charlton, where he is currently managing the U23 team, as well as working with England’s age group sides as an out-of-possession coach.

Dean Holden

The former Wanderers player is currently the assistant manager at Bristol City. Has been linked with the job in the past. Would he leave the Championship for the top job?

Matt Taylor

The Chorley born former defender has done a great job in his first managerial role in charge of League Two Exeter City. Exeter are set to face Colchester United in the League Two play-offs this month. Taylor has managed 102 games, winning 45.

Andrew Hughes

The former Wanderers coach & caretaker manager has gone on to have roles with Rotherham United, Crystal Palace and Huddersfield Town. Would fit the mould of a head coach.

Ian Evatt

The former Blackpool defender has done a tremendous job at Barrow, guiding them to the Football League. The two teams are going to meet next season, though would Evatt leave before helping to establish the Cumbrian side in League Two?

Sam Ricketts

Spent four years with Bolton as a utility defender. His first foray into management was with Wrexham in 2018, before leaving to join Shrewsbury Town six months later. Would he leave The Shrews to drop down a league? Unlikely.

Familiar to the board:

Mark Kennedy & Sol Campbell

Wanderers’ Head of football operations has worked with both Kennedy & Campbell whilst he was at Macclesfield. Could someone Phoenix has previously worked with be a candidate?

The last chance saloon:

Neil Warnock

A few fans have been vocal about wanting Wanderers to appoint Warnock for years. Now 71, would he fancy his last job to be in League Two? I doubt it.