Two More Approaches Snubbed

Megson Ruled Out
By Mark Heys
October 19 2007

Two more clubs have given Bolton Wanderers a firm "hands off" warning as the 19th placed Trotters continue to go in search of a new manager who will replace Sammy Lee in the hot seat at the Reebok Stadium..

Yesterday, Premiership rivals Birmingham City refused the Wanderers permission to speak to Steve Bruce and today both Real Sociedad's Chris Coleman and Leicester City's Gary Megson have been told they will not be allowed to speak to Bolton.

Leicester chairman Milan Mandaric confirmed that Bolton had made an approach for Megson despite the fact that the much travelled manager had only been at the Walkers Stadium since August.

A statement from Mandaric regarding the future of the former West Bromwich Albion and Blackpool boss read:

"Following widespread speculation in the media regarding Bolton Wanderers’ interest in our manager Gary Megson I can confirm the Premier League club approached us early yesterday morning seeking official permission to speak to Gary. That approach has been completely rejected."

“Such interest and continuing media speculation has inevitably had an unsettling influence and is neither invited or welcome. I have worked tirelessly to bring stability to this club and showed immense faith in Gary to bring him here after a sustained period out of the game.

“While interest from a Premier League club appears flattering and vindicates my decision to bring Gary to the Walkers Stadium he remains an integral part of my plans to bring top flight football back to this club.

“I am a great believer in loyalty, trust and integrity. Gary made a commitment to this football club, the supporters and myself and I fully expect him to honour that commitment.

“I therefore have no doubts in my own mind that Gary will reiterate his commitment when he talks publicly in the next 48 hours.

“It is also important to point out that contrary to claims today, Gary Megson has not spoken to Bolton Wanderers and furthermore is bound by a legally binding contract at Leicester City Football Club.”

Coleman on the other hand has also been told he must continue his job in Spain with Real Sociedad. The ex-Fulham manager took over the side upon their relegation from La Liga last season and seems settled according to his agent and one time manager Alan Smith.

"It’s a very interesting proposition for him to return to the Premier League, but at the same time he is happy in Spain. We have already turned down an inquiry from another English club.” said Smith

So that is three rejections in twenty four hours and The Daily Mirror seems to think that next on the list will be the one time England and Tottenham Hotspur boss Glenn Hoddle who has been out of work since leaving Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers in July 2006.