Freedman propelled to forefront of Reebok Stadium reckoning
Published:Bolton’s search for a new manager could soon be over, with significant money coming in for 1/1 Dougie Freedman to swap Selhurst Park for the Reebok Stadium.
Freedman has forged an impressive reputation in his infantile managerial career to date, having twice avoided relegation with Crystal Palace on a shoestring budget.
In his first full season in charge, Freedman also guided his side to a Carling Cup semi-final, and this term has led the club to within three points of top spot.
Such a performance appears to have caught the eye of Bolton chairman Phil Gartside, who seems keen to opt for a younger candidate to replace the departed Owen Coyle.
Indeed, names such as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Appleton have been bandied about at 7/1, but Freedman would now appear Gartside’s prime target.
More experienced options are less favourable in the betting meanwhile, with the likes of Mick McCarthy and 14/1 Alex McLeish drifting within the market.
Although McCarthy was initially an odds-on chance for the Trotters post, the former Wolves boss has now drifted to 3/1 second-favourite to secure the vacancy.
Linked with the Blackburn and Burnley jobs too, it is easy to see why McCarthy has lost friends in this market.
And with Appleton in a similar situation, and Solskjaer having ruled himself out of the running for the position, Freedman looks worth siding with whilst available at 1/1.
His Palace side’s 1-0 win away at Bolton this season undoubtedly contributed to Coyle’s demise at Wanderers, and Freedman could ultimately benefit by replacing the Scot.
The Eagles would likely not welcome an approach for their highly-rated boss, but it is thought they would respect the 38-year-old’s wishes, should he want to speak to Bolton.
And with the Trotters still receiving Premier League parachute payments, a compensation package would be of little concern to the recently-relegated outfit.
All factors considered, it seems wise to invest in Freedman taking the Reebok reins at a generous 1/1.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
