Sam Allardyce Quits

[The Real Number 3]

Sam Allardyce has stepped down as manager of Bolton Wanderers.

The 52-year-old took charge at Bolton in 1999 and transformed their fortunes, turning The Trotters into a solid Premiership outfit.

Reports on Saturday suggested he had opted to head for a new challenge, with it being claimed he had agreed a deal with prospective Manchester City buyer Ray Ranson to take charge at Eastlands.

Allardyce oversaw Saturday's draw with Chelsea, but it has proved to be his last act as he has confirmed his resignation in a statement on the club's website.

He has refused to divulge any reason for his departure, but Allardyce has claimed it is one of the hardest decisions he has ever had to make.

"After nearly eight privileged years with Bolton Wanderers Football Club, I would like to announce that, after careful consideration and dialogue with my close family and senior officials within the football club, I will be resigning as manager of the club with immediate effect," said Allardyce.

"It was mutually decided that I step down now rather than at the end of the season, to give my successor the ideal opportunity to experience the preparation and build up of matchday in readiness of next season.

"The decision to leave the football club, which has been my spiritual home for over 18 years, as both player and manager, is one of the hardest decisions I have had to make in my life.

"However, after guiding the team into a position where the club is on the verge of qualification for European football for the second time in three years, which has been the accumulation of almost seven years of strategic building and hard work across all areas of the football club, I feel it is the right moment to step down from my duties and welcome a new exciting era for the club under different leadership.

"I feel the club is in a great position to continue its upward trajectory with a talented internationally-recognised squad, supported by an excellent Academy programme across all ages working under the guidance of a highly-skilled football management team.

"I believe the foundation of the next phase for the next development stage of the club is well and truly in place. It is with this knowledge that I feel confident that I am moving on with my life content with a legacy that I have tried to create for this special club and I wish the owner, chairman, staff, players and above all the fans every success in the future."

[JK]

Dont think Big Sam will have too many troubles finding a gig if and when he's ready to resume ... Don't think anyone could deny how well he's done with Bolton

[Start]

A very interesting call??? Bolton look good to qualify for the Euro Cup again, 2 games to go untill end of season? Sammy Lee wll no doudt step up and take over the role on a permant basis. I think Big Sam could be headed to Manchester???

[johntheclaret]

A very interesting call??? Bolton look good to qualify for the Euro Cup again, 2 games to go untill end of season? Sammy Lee wll no doudt step up and take over the role on a permant basis. I think Big Sam could be headed to Manchester???

Confirmed today that Sammy Lee has been appointed as Bolton manager with Gary Speed his assistant.

Interesting that the speculationi is all about Allardyce going to City, the same week that they have received a £108m bid from ex Thai pm as reported on the Results Update thread.
Maybe Allardyce sees greener pastures with City particularly with all that dosh coming in. Also rumoured that whilst publically Allardyce has given no reason for the move, Allardyce's lack of cash for new players has been a matter of concern for him.

[Start]

Heres, hoping by some small chance he ends up at Newcastle?? we need a good manager!

[johntheclaret]

Heres, hoping by some small chance he ends up at Newcastle?? we need a good manager!

Was amazed that Roeder got the job in the 1st place and even more amazed he has kept hold of it for so long. They will go nowhere with him in charge. Sleeping giants, Newcastel are a MASSIVE club, with MASSIVE support and with Boro and Sunderland in the EPL next year, can look forward to some MASSIVE derby games.

[Start]

Heres, hoping by some small chance he ends up at Newcastle?? we need a good manager!

Was amazed that Roeder got the job in the 1st place and even more amazed he has kept hold of it for so long. They will go nowhere with him in charge. Sleeping giants, Newcastel are a MASSIVE club, with MASSIVE support and with Boro and Sunderland in the EPL next year, can look forward to some MASSIVE derby games.

Could not agree more, Big Freddy has shown alot of patience with Roeder and I would nto be surpised if Newcastle have a poor start next season that he gets the bullet!