Boss Hopes To Improve Capital Record

Last updated : 31 October 2003 By Mark Heys
Bolton Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce is hoping his side can break their London jinx and register their first win in the capital in over two years as they take on Tottenham Hotspur tommorow.

The Wanderers last win in London came when a Youri Djorkaeff double was enough to defeat Charlton Athletic 2-1 at The Valley in March 2002 and Allardyce is asking his players to dig deep and hope for a similar result against David Pleat's side.

"In the last three years we have struggled in London" Allardyce said "Only winning one game in the capital against Charlton two seasons ago. It will be nice to add to that victory. It will be a difficult task for us to go to White Hart Lane and win the game"

Allardyce also praised the work of the Spurs caretaker boss David Pleat saying that the former Luton Town manager has installed some fresh beleif back into the players and has them playing back to their best again

"David Pleat has gone back to basics and instilled a new sense of beleif into the Spurs players. As a manager, you are well aware that a strong defensive unit will ultimately win you matches and that's what David has added to the side. They have a resolute defence and teams tend to struggle to score against them."

However he also says the burden of responsibility lies with his own players to get something from the game and dig deep to try and breach an impressive recent run by Spurs

"The responsibility lies with our squad. It's not the biggest squad in the league but they have the right qualities to dig deep and get something for us against Spurs. We have to pray that we don't sustain any more injuries at White Hart Lane because that could be a huge blow to our future plans" he added