Big Sam's Transfer Heartache

Last updated : 20 July 2005 By Matt Bottom
Bolton manager Sam Allardyce was in an optimistic mood in Bangkok, telling reporters: "I was hoping to do a deal on Tuesday with a player and that was the main reason why I delayed my journey.

"We are still awaiting the outcome of that and wait to see what happens.

"I have started early negotiations for a couple of players. I remain hopeful of bringing in one new signing before the week is out.

"If there's a need to fly back to the UK then I'll have to do that, but otherwise I have left negotiations in the capable hands of my chief scout and Des McBain, who has come out of retirement to help with the paperwork should we be successful. The chairman and I will be getting daily calls from them on the progress of all the deals we are putting in place.

"The players we have earmarked now have to be fit and ready for the stresses and strains of the Premiership. It's a near impossible task to bring in the calibre of player we now require."

"I never expected it to be so difficult this time round." Allardyce explained when speaking about his frustration in the transfer market this summer.

"It has been the most frustrating time I have encountered in a long while."