Sam Misses Out On Eight

By Mark Heys
September 4 2006

A number of Sunday newspapers claim that Sam Allardyce missed out on the signatures of up to eight players before Thursday's transfer deadline.

The Bolton boss was keen to strengthen his team prior to last weeks cut off point but as it turned out no deals where pushed through in time, meaning that the Wanderers must now perservere with the squad they have until next January.

One said deal for Real Madrid's Ivan Helguera was rumoured to be close but the Spanish giants pulled the plug on any potential transfer despite the fact that the player is currently out of favour at the Bernabau.

Bolton where also said to have made a late attempt to sign Manchester City's Antoine Sibierski but the veteran Frenchman instead chose to make the move to Newcastle United.

Scottish club Hibernian where also quick to deny that they had received any contact with the Wanderers regarding the availability of midfield duo Scott Brown and Kevin Thomson.