Chairman Knew Of Allardyce Plans

By Mark Heys
April 29 2007

Phil Gartside has said that Bolton Wanderers must look towards the future as they begin life without their influential manager Sam Allardyce.

Gartside revealed that he knew of Allardyce's plans to end his spell as Bolton manager over a fortnight ago and has said that the split has come following discussions which where held earlier in the season.

"I've had time to get used to it because I've known for two weeks, It's been important that we've been able to get used to the situation and honour each other's integrity." said the Wanderers chairman to Sky Sports

"I know Sam's been reflecting on his position and it just became part of the discussion. Sam and I have shared a very strong relationship over a long period and you can't take away the achievements in Sam's reign of office.

Whilst Allardyce's departure will come as a big shock to the Reebok faithful, Gartside says the club must look towards the future and life without one of their finest ever servants.

"Divorce is a very difficult thing. Something ends and you've got to move on and think about the future. I've got to think about the future of the club and he's got to think about the future of himself and his family."

Gartside had hoped to persuade Allardyce to stay with his favourite club, but realised the 52-year old had made up his mind to leave the team whom he first joined as a 15-year old back in 1969.

"Of course I tried to persuade him. I managed to persuade him before when he was thinking about going to Newcastle. Finally you realise the time has come for a change, for him and everyone else, and you have to be positive. This is about moving the club on to a new era."

As far as a successor goes, Gartside has said he would analyse developments over the next couple of days but all the signs are pointing towards current assistant manager Sammy Lee.

"We'll reflect on that over the next few days. Better things come in smaller packages maybe." hinted Gartside

Allardyce was Bolton's seventeenth post war manager and during his eight year tenure the club played 370 games, winning 153, drawing 103 and losing 114 as well as reaching the 2004 Carling Cup Final, 2001 Play Off Final and playing in Europe in the UEFA Cup in the 2005-2006 season.