So if change was needed, and Gartside obviously felt it was, then now was the right time.
BBC: Fan power sends Megson packing
Bolton manager Owen Coyle, who was at Muamba's bedside in the early part of his ordeal, echoed Gartside's sentiments.
CNN: 'Devastated' Muamba retires from soccer
But Gartside must take a long look at the way he has run the club over the past few years.
Bolton chairman Phil Gartside was saddened by the news, but insisted Muamba must now focus on his life outside of soccer.
Gartside would have been alarmed to hear his manager admit that it would have been impossible to win over the club's fans.
The forthcoming FA Cup third-round weekend gave Gartside his window of opportunity.
"This has been a difficult decision for all parties but we have agreed the time is right, " Bolton chairman Phil Gartside told the club's website.
BBC: Bolton part company with boss Lee
Critics of Gartside believe that he should have been bolder.
But then Gartside needs to make up his mind.
Gartside seemed to baulk at the idea.
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