Diouf Faces Last Chance

Last updated : 24 December 2004 By Mark Heys
Sam Allardyce has told disgraced striker El-Hadji Diouf that he is on his last chance, as the Senegal international makes his return to the Bolton fold.

Diouf has missed the last three matches having been found guilty of spitting at the Portsmouth centre half Arjan De Zeeuw and Wanderers boss Allardyce says that the on loan forward will have to take responsiblity for what he has done and expect some criticism from rival players and supporters alike.

He'll have to cope with what he's done on and off the field and he'll be tested even more now in that department, He can't afford to react. The bottom line is that this is his last chance. It's his last chance to be an outstanding footballer and not let himself and others down by repeating what he did."

The 23-year old is now remorseful for his actions against Pompey, and needs to move on from those events as quickly as possible so that he can get his, and Bolton's season back on track.

"I think when somebody follows you around Liverpool for a couple of days to try to catch you out, he realises the enormity of what he's done. I would never condone what he did but worse things can happen to you in a game of football."

Diouf is famed for his ability to rub the opposition up the wrong way and he is equally famed for the retaliation he gives out when provoked, this is something which Allardyce feels that the ex-Lens forward must readdress that balance if he is to make a success of things

"His flamboyancy provokes other people to dislike him. He's got such a flamboyant character and personality that you either love him or you hate him because he's in your face. He's got to be man enough to be capable of handling any provocation he gets and react the right way. Otherwise, dress down and be more moderate, be a bit more sober in what you do on a day-to-day basis then you don't put yourself in that position. If he wants to be out front in his lifestyle, he has to have the discipline to cope with the negativity shown towards him."