Bolton name Freedman as manager

Dougie Freedman has been confirmed as the manager of second-tier Bolton Wanderers.

Freedman left Crystal Palace this week to take up the job.

He replaced Owen Coyle, who was fired this month.

Bolton was relegated from England's topflight in May, and has underperformed in the League Championship, lying in 16th place, 10 points off the top.

Bolton chairman Phil Gartside says on Thursday, "Dougie is young and ambitious. When we met his enthusiasm and knowledge of the game was evident."

Freedman feels promotion is very possible, as "the club is geared up to getting back into the Premier League. There is an impressive setup and structure in place, and a first team squad of undoubted quality."