Speculation has been rife in recent weeks that the current City boss Kevin Keegan will be sacked leading to further reports that Allardyce will be one of the front runners to take over, but Gartside has since laughed off these reports stating that he will dismiss any approach as City are no bigger than the Wanderers.
"If Manchester United wanted him, I would take him there myself because that would be seen as a step up, But I don't think Manchester City is a big enough job for Sam and I would not allow them to talk to him.It is well known they are in debt and not in the market to buy players. They also have a lot of players there and a big wage bill." he told the Manchester Evening News
"I have said before that I would not stand in Sam's way if a big enough job came along for him but, other than United, I don't think any club in the area is on the same footing as Bolton."
Allardyce had recently been linked with the Newcastle United job and is fastly developing into one of the most sought after coaches in the English game due to his ability to work under a tight budget with players who have often been rejected elsewhere.