FORMER Wigan boss Paul Jewell is firm favourite to become Bolton's third manager in less than six months.

Jewell is believed ready to end his self-imposed sabbatical for a return to the Premier League.

But ex-Oldham and City boss Joe Royle could be among the dark horses for a post vacated yesterday by Sammy Lee.

The club has been inundated with CVs since Lee's brief reign was ended by "mutual consent".

But it's unlikely a successor will be in place for Saturday's game at Arsenal.

However, with last night's delay in naming a caretaker boss, there's an outside chance Bolton may soon have a permanent successor.

Archie Knox, assistant manager at United, Rangers and Everton, plus Ricky Sbragia, are likely to hold the reins temporarily.

But it would be insensitive if Wanderers handed any extra authority to Gary Speed in view of his recent bust-up with the outgoing manager.

Jewell would be a popular choice with the Wanderers' fans, many still baffled by Lee's appointment on April 30 in the first place.

The former Bradford City and Sheffield Wednesday boss has been out of football since quitting at Wigan, 48 hours after Latics secured their Premier League status.

Draining

"The intensity of football at the highest level, although completely addictive, is also very draining," he said at the time.

But Jewell has now had almost six months to re-charge his batteries.

He wouldn't need to uproot from his Ilkley home and, more importantly, wouldn't be frightened to bash the egos of a few senior players.

And one-time Wanderers favourite Jason McAteer thinks his fellow Scouser would be a good choice.

"It would be nice to see Paul Jewell get it. He's one of the new breed coming through and he's done wonders at Wigan.

"Sammy has obviously been a victim of the success Bolton have had under Sam Allardyce over the past couple of seasons.

"It was always a tough, tough job to follow, but Sammy obviously thought he was capable and went into it with his eyes wide open."

Lee's general manager, Frank McParland, has also gone. And others could follow.

Ex-Fulham boss Chris Coleman has also been tipped as a possible replacement.

Considered unlucky to lose his job at Fulham, the Welshman may want a quick return from Spain after just three months with Real Sociedad.

Peter Reid, out of work for nearly two years since being sacked at Coventry, would jump at a return to management, especially at his old club.

Experience

Royle is another itching to get his feet behind a desk again.

He has top-flight experience with Oldham, Everton and City while remaining the last English boss to win the FA Cup.

Steve Bruce, who is under pressure at Birmingham, also has the right credentials.

And Iain Dowie, whose son is educated in Bolton, would be keen to show his unhappy time in the Premier League with Charlton is a one-off.

Other names mentioned include Paul Ince, Macclesfield's Football League saviour, who has taken Milton Keynes to the top of League Two.

However, Manchester bookmaker Fred Done makes Jewell 5-4 favourite with Coleman second in the betting at 5-1.

You can also get 500-1 on MEN columnist Alan Gowling taking over and Sam Allardyce `only' 100-1 on returning. Tweet