Allardyce resigns as Bolton boss

[TheManWho]

Sam Allardyce has resigned as manager of Bolton with immediate effect.

He has been linked with the manager's role at Manchester City and refused to attend the post-match press conference after Saturday's 2-2 with Chelsea.

He said: "This has been one of the hardest decisions I've ever made but it's time for a new exciting era for Bolton under different leadership."

Chairman Phil Gartside added: "I have reluctantly accepted the decision. His reasons are private, we respect that."

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That's a bigloss for Bolton

[slain]

Tell me about it. I'm pretty gutted right now. Although if you've read the full statement he released, it seems to drop a hint that a replacement has already been found...

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.

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.

Still, not what we really needed with two games to go in the quest for 5th place.

[gunner]

He will be a tough act to follow at Bolton. I do not like his style, but he is very effective. He has transformed Bolton from a Championship club, to a very successful prem side.

[SiE]

I wonder what the odds will be on them getting relegated next season. He was that good for them.

[BBK]

Big shock, and a big loss. Hopefully Bolton can find themselves a good manager now to replace him who can take the club forward, but I fear a Charlton/Curbishley situation coming on.

[AD]

One word, Gutted.

Looks like Sammy Lee will take over. Cant see any other managers atm that would probably want to come.

Unless you count fucking Graham Souness

Hope Sam doesnt go to City.

-=AD=-

[Little John]

Where will he end up?

Newcastle, Man city, Old Trafford or the FA as the England puppet?

I'm suspecting England as they are keeping reasons quiet, City and Newcastle in the past have been career suicide and unless United win the treble again I don't think Sir Alex will leave just yet.

Hmm I wonder if Mourinho will be looking for a job next year? I hope he doesnt come up here. who do we get to replace Big Sam?

[DB]

I cant think of a bloke to replace him to be honest??

Always liked the big man, ex sunderland player as well so he cant be bad.

Very sad loss to Bolton !!!

[BBK]

I'd be delighted if there was some coup to get him into the England job, I thought he was always the better option than McLaren, but I can't see the FA giving up on McLaren so easily. Rumour I heard was City, but I don't understand why he would leave Bolton for City? Maybe he feels he's done all he can with Bolton, or with the bung speculation hanging over him maybe he just wants some time away from it all.

[karlos130]

Taking a step backwards IMO going to City...and TBh wouldnt want him at the toon.

[callo]

coming to the boro

[wiggi28]

One word, Gutted.

Looks like Sammy Lee will take over. Cant see any other managers atm that would probably want to come.

Unless you count fucking Graham Souness

Hope Sam doesnt go to City.

-=AD=-

how would you feel about david oleary ???

[New Art Riot]

i reckon he'll go to newcastle. though I'd love to see him get the england job. don't know who'd go to Bolton its a tough act to follow.

[AD]

Oleary wouldnt be that bad, I can think of a lot worse.

-=AD=-

[wiggi28]

Oleary wouldnt be that bad, I can think of a lot worse.

-=AD=-

at least your not a leeds fan like me

[Tattooed Freak]

Oleary wouldnt be that bad, I can think of a lot worse.

-=AD=-

Just don't give him a chequebook and approval to sign players without medicals...

Bolton can do much better than him.

[rIKmAN]

Big Sam is an amazing manager imo - he`s worked absolute wondersa at Bolton, and says things as they are unlike most of the other cunts in football today!

Would love to see him in the England job, McLaren is a tit, Big Sam would bring back the pride of playing for England and get the best out of what is a super-talented but shockingly under-achieving squad.

[steve10574]

cant see this "sam is great" thing i dont want to see england knocking long balls to peter and apart from keeping bolton in the prem what did he win? at least(and i dont want to keep him as england manager by the way) steve won a cup

[AD]

Yer steve did win a cup........ Playing the same fooking tactics Sam does.

-=AD=-

[proxi]

Was well weird seeing the news Big Sam had gone, hope Bolton get a manager half as good as him to take the reigns as there's talent and tonnes of hard work in those Allardycians