Intertoto Could Be A Euro Option

By Mark Heys
March 16 2006

Bolton Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce has not ruled out the possibility of his side taking part in next season's newly formatted Intertoto Cup.

From next season sides taking part in the Intertoto competition will have to play in three rounds of matches instead of five and the successful sides who prove victorious overall will enter the first phase of the UEFA Cup.

Allardyce says this route could prove to be an option should the Wanderers not finish in any of the Premiership's allocated European places at the end of the season.

"UEFA have changed the format of the Intertoto competition, which would fit better into our pre-season schedule." said Allardyce to the official website

"It would be a possibility to play in the tournament should we not qualify for the UEFA Cup. However, I sincerely hope the lads don't let themselves down and make sure they achieve what they deserve, which is qualifying for Europe whether through the Champions League or the UEFA Cup."

Bolton haven't always been in favour of the eleven year old competition which has included British teams such as Fulham and West Ham United in the past. In the 2002-03 season Allardyce stated that the extra games from playing in the Intertoto would put his side at a disadvantage at a later part in the season but this year's success in the Wanderers first European venture has helped to change his thinking somewhat.