By Mark Heys
October 18 2007

It is quite rare to see Bolton Wanderers on the lookout for a new manager and despite their lowly league position in the Premiership the role is still an attractive one in football with a number of names linked to the post already.

Sammy Lee's six month reign as the club's eighteenth post war manager came to an end yesterday lunchtime with both parties agreeing to end their relationship by mutual consent.

For now, senior coaches Archie Knox and Ricky Sbragia will take charge of first team affairs for Saturday's trip to league leaders Arsenal whilst chairman Phil Gartside reviews the options which are open to him.

Former Wigan Athletic boss Paul Jewell has featured prominently in the discussions as to who will replace Lee but The Times newspaper says that he is reluctant to become embroiled in another relegation battle so soon.

Another name highly mentioned is that of Real Sociedad manager Chris Coleman with the Times also saying that the ex-Fulham manager would want another shot at Premiership management.

Wanderers hero Peter Reid, Coventry City manager Iain Dowie and one time Leeds United and Aston Villa manager David O'Leary have also been touted in the press.

The Sun suggests this morning that Bolton have had their approach for Birmingham City manager Steve Bruce foiled whilst The Daily Mirror comes up with a surprise selection of names including Hibernian chief John Collins, much travelled Graeme Souness and Leicester City's Gary Megson.

Previous manager Lee may not be out of work for long as it has been mentioned that he could be in the frame to return to Liverpool as Rafa Benitez right hand man.

For now though it is up to Messrs Knox and Sbragia to prepare the team for what is a crucial match against Arsenal in a couple of days time and then these will be followed by three home games in league and cup competitions.