We had to make the change

PHIL Gartside spoke for the first time since Dougie Freedman’s departure – revealing that fans’ protests had played a role in a joint-decision to part ways.

The chairman admitted sympathy for Freedman, who – like himself – had come under heavy fire from Wanderers supporters during recent weeks, but felt a managerial change was a necessary measure in order to escape the bottom three.

Wanderers find themselves five points from safety after the weekend’s 2-1 home defeat to Bournemouth and Gartside admits Friday’s announcement, which he stressed was a mutual one, was made with a heavy heart.

“Obviously we are in a results-driven business and we had to look at it in the short-term and see whether it can be changed,” he told The Bolton News. “We need some points on the board that will help us avoid being in a relegation scrap.

“It fell on me to make that decision. I had a long conversation with him on Friday morning. I felt he was being treated unfairly by fans, and I don’t think anyone should be subjected to that in any shape or form.

“There are not many businesses or professions where you would get that.  “I spoke with Dougie and felt that for his benefit and for the benefit of the football club, we had to change something. But it was a mutual decision.”

Gartside begun the search for a replacement in earnest yesterday and it is understood he could hold talks with potential candidates by the end of the week.

Several big names have already thrown their hat into the ring with more than 20 names now contacting the club, in one way or another.
Ex-Sunderland boss Paolo di Canio and former Celtic boss Neil Lennon are the latest out-of-work managers to offer their services.

Gartside refused to speculate on individuals but outlined one criteria that the new man would have to fill.  “In terms of the last two years, there is a lot of good work that Dougie has put in place,” he said, in the first part of an interview that will be printed in full by The Bolton News tomorrow.

“There is actually quite a bit of unfinished business that someone has got to carry on.”

Source

Gartside on football managers being abused by the fans: “There are not many businesses or professions where you would get that."

Much in the same way that there aren't many businesses or professions where you would receive a wheelbarrow full of cash to take home if you got sacked for being a useless wanker........

No sympathy from me.

Breadman wrote:
Much in the same way that there aren't many businesses or professions where you would receive a wheelbarrow full of cash to take home if you got sacked for being a useless wanker........

No sympathy from me.

He could always try banking.

He's right though, you can expect a certain level of abuse no question but some of the stuff I read did go way over the top, never really understood the hatred for Dougie either, turns out he was out of his depth sadly but always came across to me as a hard worker and genuine.

this is football though I get that.

I don't think Dougie really came under a lot of 'heavy fire.' For the most part the supporters were pretty patient with him given how bad the results and performances were. 

A few chants of Freedman out, the handful of fans who ran on to the pitch and a banner that was taken down immediately. Uncomfortable maybe but any really savage abuse would have been on forums and such, which you'd only see if you went looking for it anyway. For the most part the marches and demos were aimed at the chairman anyway.

As usual Garside's covering his own arse with his 'fans wouldn't be patient' shit.

They were sick of Freedman so you packed him off, fine. They're also saying they're sick of you, so act on that one as well you smug tosser.

So the scene is set for another Gartside management fcuk up!!!!

So his sacking had nothing to do with the shite football the paying fans have had to endure nor his stupid annoying team selection? Hmmm..

Regardless of the profession and the abuse which comes with it, no other profession has to put up with that? Right in one respect Mr Gartside but neither does a sacking for poor workmanship come with a bumper pay off.

This bloke talks shite, he's a business man that still rakes in as much if not more than when we were in the premier league. Gartsides interest are with financial aspects and not the actual football side one bit.

Would not be one bit surprised if he re-instated Coyle as manager just to piss us all off.

So the players was nothing to do with Dougie saying the players aren't good enough as previously reported? Just goes to show what a poisonous and perhaps slanderous atmosphere is created every time we lose a manager. Any old shite will get printed to justify the decision. 

The only positive thing in that interview is that there is a stated intent for the incumbent to continue with Dougie's work - perhaps our best bet for making any kind of improvement in the longer term.