Bolton legend linked with stunning return to former club as race to replace Ian Evatt hots up

Steve Thompson has emerged as a surprise candidate for the vacant manager’s job at Bolton Wanderers as part of an ex-player duo.

Thompson, who racked up more than 300 appearances for Bolton, has been under consideration after Ian Evatt was sacked last week.

Neil Redfearn came through at the club with Thompson in the 1980s and after successful coaching spells together at Leeds United and Oldham Athletic, the pair are looking to join forces again.

Bolton – seventh in League One after Tuesday night’s 3-1 win against Northampton Town – parted ways with Evatt following a mixed run of results in their quest for the playoffs.

Steven Schmuacher is thought to be one of the leading candidates for the role after a brief spell in charge of Championship Stoke City.

Thompson has rejected number offers at home and abroad over the past 12 months but is keen to get back into management.

Thompson has previously worked alongside Neil Redfearn (left) at Leeds United and Oldham

Bolton sit seventh in League One, 16 points off the top and level with sixth-place Leyton Orient

Redfearn and Thompson have history together after steadying the ship at Elland Road in 2014 under infamous former owner Massimo Cellino.

The pair resigned in interim charge at Oldham in 2023 after their positions became untenable, even during a six-game unbeaten run after David Unsworth was sacked.

Thompson was integral during Blackpool’s unlikely rise through the divisions, eventually reaching the Premier League in 2010, and served as coach under Simon Grayson and Alex Neil at Preston North End.

Redfearn played for Bolton between 1982 and 1984. Thompson’s playing career with the Trotters also began in 1982 and he stayed with the club until 1991.