Julian Darby will continue as interim boss but confirmed after Bolton’s 3-1 Sky Bet League One win over Northampton that Wanderers are still searching for Ian Evatt’s permanent successor.
Captain George Thomason, a Liam Shaw own goal and Aaron Collins netted to make it two wins from two for the lifelong Bolton fan.
Former Plymouth and Stoke boss Steven Schumacher remains odds-on favourite to succeed Evatt, who was sacked a week ago.
“Until I hear something from the board I keep going,” said Darby, whose tenure has seen Bolton rise to within goal difference of the play-off places.
“They are actively trying very hard to get a new manager. But until I get a phone call or they pull me into an office, I keep going.
“What happens, happens. I’ll wait to see if I get the shout or not (for Reading away on Saturday).
“But I said to the players, ‘I’d like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you have done for me and the memories you have made for me over the last two games’.
“Did I ever think I would manage Bolton? No. So, to go all the way through from apprentice to player to manager, that’s the stuff of dreams.”
Thomason fired Bolton into a third-minute lead only for Shaw to equalise five minutes later with his first Cobblers goal.
Unfortunately for Town boss and one-time Bolton favourite Kevin Nolan, January signing Shaw lashed in a spectacular own goal on the stroke of half-time.
With seven minutes remaining Collins netted the goal that sealed Wanderers’ second victory in four days.
Nolan, whose previous visit to the stadium came as a Newcastle player in November 2010, said of his long overdue return: “I got emotional when they (Bolton fans) started singing my name.
“I had some fantastic times here and no one can take them away. I thank them for such a warm and lovely welcome.”
On Shaw’s own goal that tipped the contest back in Bolton’s failure Nolan added: “I have been there myself so those things happen.
“Unfortunately, he worked so hard to get back in but found the ball underneath his feet and could not get it wide of the post.
“He could even have left it and let it ride out. But the work he did to get back in is what I am asking for.
“It is what it is. He was fantastic again so I can’t have a pop at him for that.
“Overall, I am really pleased with a lot of what I saw.”