Bolton in good position for next manager - Darby

Bolton Wanderers are in a favourable position for their next manager to lead the club to success this season, interim boss Julian Darby has said.

In their first game since Ian Evatt's departure, Bolton won at promotion-chasing Huddersfield Town to keep their play-off hopes alive.

Heading into Tuesday's visit of Northampton Town, Darby said Bolton being a point off the top six despite of a draining winter schedule is an advantage to whoever replaces Evatt.

"It's not the worst place to be in at the minute. There's everything to play for. There's a long way to go in the season," he told BBC Radio Manchester.

"It's been a tough January. The boys have played seven games and this is their eighth game of the month.

"What it takes out on the bodies, on their energies and mental energies is tough. But that's football here. That's coming off a tough Christmas period as well. It takes over your life."

Darby will lead the club once more in Tuesday's League One fixture against the Cobblers amid interest from former Preston North End boss Ryan Lowe and former Plymouth Argyle manager Steven Schumacher in the vacancy.

Under-18s coach Darby ended Huddersfield's 16-game unbeaten run in his first game in interim charge on Saturday, but is less keen on management as a permanent career.

"I've been in football, even on the coaching side, for a while and I've seen what managers go through. They go through the wringer. Why they do it I don't know. They're a special breed, those who do it," Darby added.

"There's lack of sleep, the pressure that's heaped on you and ultimately you're responsible for winning and losing football games, and that is hard.

"On the other hand, when results go well like they did on Saturday and the lads perform and the fans are fantastic, it's so worth it."