Sam Agrees New Five Year Contract

Last updated : 18 October 2004 By Mark Heys
Sam Allardyce has ended speculation about his future once and for all by agreeing a new contract as Bolton Wanderers manager which will run for five years.

Allardyce had been linked with managerial vancancies elsewhere, most notably up at Newcastle United when Sir Bobby Robson was sacked but now his future lies well and truly with the Trotters.

"Big Sam" celebrates five years in charge of Bolton tommorow having been appointed as Colin Todd's successor back in 1999. Co-incidentally he is also celebrating his 50th birthday so the news of a new contract is a boost to everyone concerned at the Reebok Stadium.

Chairman Phil Gartside is pleased that Allardyce has decided to finish the job he started,

"We have agreed an improved contract and Sam won't be going anywhere, He's got a job he started five years ago and we always said it was a ten-year job." he said

"He said to me five years ago he wanted to retire from Bolton after 10 years when he was 55. I am sure he won't but we are well on the way to reaching that 55. Then it is up to him to do what he wants in football, really."