ROY McFARLAND last night paid the penalty for Bolton's disastrous return to the top flight with his second sacking in less than a year. The former England defender, dismissed by Derby last April, was shown the door by Bolton, who are eight points adrift at the foot of the Premiership table.

McFarland teamed up with former Derby and England colleague Colin Todd as Bolton's joint managers in the summer.

But the arrangement has totally backfired, with Bolton recording just two victories from 22 Premiership games and registering just one point away from home. Todd will now take sole charge of team affairs and he is expected to appoint his own coach shortly.

Bolton chairman Gordon Hargreaves said last night: "I believe that the major reason for the club's current position in the Premiership is our decision to appoint joint managers."