Boss Confirms Samuel Interest

By Mark Heys
March 3 2007

Bolton manager Sam Allardyce has revealed that he would be interested in signing Aston Villa left back Jlloyd Samuel - should the full back be made available.

Speculation has been rife since the New Year that the Trinidad-born Samuel would be on his way out of Villa Park this summer with Bolton the most likely destination and Allardyce has added weight to those rumours by saying he would be interested in making a move.

Samuel has been with Villa ever since breaking through as a trainee in their side in the 1998-1999 season but he has found opportunities limited since the arrival of Martin O'Neill as the Villa manager at the start of this season.

"I don't know what the situation is at the moment but, if a player with his capabilities came available, I'd be interested, yes," said Allardyce when asked his opinion on the former England U21 international.

Bolton have occasionally had to play striker Henrik Pedersen as an emergency full back for the last two seasons leaving Ricardo Gardner, originally a winger, as the only recognised left sided defender at the club.