Relegation-threatened Bolton have caved in to disgruntled supporters and sacked under-fire manager Gary Megson (Mark Hughes 3/1 favourite – Next Permanent Bolton Manager).

The Reebok faithful reacted with fury when Megson, appointed in October 2007, replaced striker Ivan Klasnic with midfielder Gavin McCann with his team 2-1 up against fellow strugglers Hull at home on Tuesday.

The Tigers eventually clawed the game back to draw 2-2 and chairman Phil Gartside decided it was the final straw, with Wanderers entrenched in the relegation zone.

A statement on the club website read: “The decision has been taken in light of the position the club finds itself at the halfway point of the season.”

Manchester-born Megson never won over a section of the Bolton supporters and the 50-year-old admitted the negativity was affecting his players.

“It has started now to have an impact,” Megson told BBC Radio 5 live. “It’s difficult for the players to be playing in that atmosphere.”

Assistant manager Chris Evans and first team coach Steve Wigley will initially take charge of the Trotters, while sacked Manchester City boss Mark Hughes, Darren Ferguson, Paul Jewell (7/2 second favourite Next Permanent Bolton Manager) and Alan Curbishley have emerged as front-runners for the post.