New Boy Chose Football Over Money - Sam

Last updated : 02 February 2005 By Mark Heys

Sam Allardyce has confirmed that new signing Vincent Candela took a drop in wages to link up with Bolton Wanderers shortly before the closure of the transfer window on Monday evening.

Candela moved to the Reebok Stadium on a five month deal which will last until the end of the season and Allardyce was impressed by the way in which the former French international chose football ahead of his salary.

''I met Vincent a couple of weeks ago and thought at the beginning we wouldn't have a chance from a salary point of view,'' Allardyce told Sky Sports News .

''Everyone knows just how much money they are paid in Italy but to be fair to the player, he hasn't played much for Roma and wanted to try The Premiership.

''He's given up a lot financially from his point of view to join us until the end of the season.

Allardyce was pleased to have aquired a player of such pedigree and was looking forward to seeing the player in action from now until the end of the season.

''He's had seven years in Italy with a top club, he's a French international, a World Cup winner and only 31 - it makes us very excited and we're pleased he's joining us.''