Bosses Confident Of Okocha Stay

Last updated : 08 December 2003 By Mark Heys
Phil Gartside and Sam Allardyce are both hoping that Jay-Jay Okocha will snub the overtures of the bigger clubs to sign a new contract with Bolton Wanderers.

Okocha 30, will be out of contract over the summer and this has already prompted speculation linking the Nigerian international with moves to both Chelsea and Manchester United when his current deal with the Trotters expires.

However Allardyce has stated that he would like to keep his captain at the club, a claim which has also been backed by the chairman who beleives Okocha's integrity will see him remain at the Reebok Stadium.

"You rely on his integrity" Gartside said

"Some people you rely on and some you can't and Jay-Jay is one you can"

"He went to the World Cup and came back to join us. He came here on a two-year contract, he likes it here, he likes the schools, his wife likes the area and you have to rely on his integrity that he wants to stay".

"We are going to sit down and negotiate a new contract with him at some stage. We are offering market rates for the job. There is no reason to beleive he is not going to stay if we give him the right offer." he added