Ex-Bolton midfielder Jason McAteer feels former Wigan Athletic boss Paul Jewell is the frontrunner for the job at the Reebok Stadium.

The likes of Jewell, Peter Reid and Peter Taylor are being linked with the vacant position at the Wanderers, who however are languishing in the 19th position in the Premiership but have moved into the group phase of the UEFA Cup and are set to face German giants Bayern Munich.

McAteer, who retired from professional football in June this year after also having played for Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland, told Sky Sports News: "Paul Jewell would be one of the frontrunners; he's been resting and has decided to get back into it.

"I know Peter Reid will be looking at it and would be a fans' favourite and Peter Taylor has just left Crystal Palace. There's a few big names out there and it's a big, big job.

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