In October 2007, Irureta put his name forward to be the new coach of English side Bolton Wanderers, but lost out in the running to Gary Megson, and was also touted by December as possible replacement for Real Sociedad's Chris Coleman.
Gary Megson Mangotsfield United, Plymouth Argyle, Everton, Sheffield Wednesday (2), Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United, Manchester City, Norwich City, Lincoln City, Shrewsbury Town.
Gary Cooper | Gary Moore | Gary Allan | Gary Gygax | Gary, Indiana | Gary Burton | Gary Lineker | Gary Player | Gary Numan | Gary Hart | Gary Snyder | Gary Cole | Gary Busey | Gary Panter | Gary Oldman | Gary Paulsen | Gary Sinise | Gary Johnson | Gary Hughes | Gary Brooker | Gary | Gary Valenciano | Gary Peacock | Gary Owens | Gary Locke | Gary Husband | Gary Graffman | Gary Gilmore | Gary Condit | Gary Coleman |
Gary Megson through no fault of his own was replaced by Gudjon Thordarson and in came a number of Icelandic players and the new era began well with Stoke beating Wycombe Wanderers 4–0 away.
Having made 109 appearances for them, with loan deals at Bury and Wigan Athletic along the way, he was released on a free transfer to Stockport County for the beginning of the 1998–99 season, and quickly arrived at Turf Moor around Christmas in 1998 when signed by the colourful manager Stan Ternent, following a falling-out with then Stockport manager, Gary Megson.