91Èȱ¬

Bolton legend Alan Gowling has urged the club to open talks with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as a replacement is sought for sacked Owen Coyle.

The former Manchester United striker and reserve-team coach recently led Molde to their first Norwegian title.

Gowling told 91Èȱ¬ North West Tonight: "The chairman has to get it right and give Bolton a chance to get straight back in the Premier League.

"I'd definitely talk to Solskjaer, he's a fresh face and fresh name."

Stockport-born Gowling, who made 149 appearances and scored 28 goals for the Trotters between 1978 and 1982, believes Gartside should have dismissed Coyle before they were relegated to the Championship.

"It should have come last Christmas when it would have given the new manager a chance to keep Bolton in the Premier League," he said.

"I just felt Owen had lost his players. They'd lost confidence, didn't believe in him any more, and once that happens to any manager it's a very quick way down the road and out."

Solskjaer spoke to Aston Villa during the summer, but chose to stay in Norway where his family had re-settled.

However, he is now believed to be keen to return to English football, and has been linked with the Blackburn vacancy.