Steve Bruce, Chris Coleman and Graeme Souness have all dismissed the opportunity of becoming Bolton boss following the departure of Sammy Lee – and front-runner Gary Megson remains suspiciously silent at the prospect of leaving Leicester for the Reebok. So the Trotters find themselves in a difficult position where their choice is extremely slim, with such a dire shortage of quality managers in England.

Here's our analysis of the options open to Wanderers chairman Phil Gartside following the brief, disastrous Little Sam regime:

1. Paul Jewell. The former Wigan Athletic manager has been taking time off from management after a stressful season keeping the Latics in the Premier League. He's the type of boss who could keep Bolton up, but would he even want to put himself through another difficult season? All the noises from Jewell himself indicate he doesn't need the grief.

‘If Bolton could woo Aidy Boothroyd away from Watford it would be a huge coup, but don't count on it.


2. Peter Taylor. Despite being recently sacked by Crystal Palace, Taylor is well respected within the game especially after his stint as England under-21 manager where he built a side that has been more exciting to watch than the national team. But his abject failure at Selhurst Park is hardly the best recommendation.

3. John Collins. The highly-rated manager of Hibernian has only been in the hot seat for a year, but has impressed fans and critics by winning the Scottish League Cup and making Hibs a credible threat to the Old Firm's domination of the Scottish Premier League.

4. Aidy Boothroyd. Had a difficult time last season with Watford struggling in the top flight and finishing bottom, 10 points adrift of safety. The Hornets are now romping away with the Championship and set for a quick return to the Premier League. If Bolton could woo Boothroyd away it would be a huge coup, but don't count on it.

5. Steve Clarke. Whether Clarke will be a permanent fixture on the Chelsea bench is unclear. If there was an opportunity to pluck him away from Chelsea, a team like Bolton would be a perfect opportunity for the Scot to dig in and sort the team out.

6. Bryan Robson. His career as a player for England and Manchester United has been legendary. His performances as a manager, however, have been poor (with Middlesbrough being a rare exception, as well as the season where he kept West Brom up). With his current club, Sheffield United, sitting in the bottom half of the Championship, the Blades may be open to Robson leaving.

7. Glenn Roeder. The former Newcastle United and West Ham United manager has been out of work since May after quitting St James' Park. Track record doesn't inspire confidence.

8. John Gregory. Sacked by Queens Park Rangers just two weeks ago, but best known for his four years as the gaffer at Aston Villa. He's a long shot, but has management experience (without any great success) at six clubs.

9. Glenn Hoddle. The former England manager has not been in charge of a top-flight club since 2003 when he left Tottenham. Since quitting Molineux after a disappointing 18 months at Wolves – where all he could do was draw matches instead of winning them – he's been away from management, working for Sky Sports.

10. David O'Leary. The former Leeds and Aston Villa manager has reportedly expressed interest in the Bolton position and would be eager for a return to management. But would Wanderers want him?

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If you were Bolton chairman Phil Gartside, who would you choose to succeed Sammy Lee? Post your view below or write your own Sportingo article.