The Search Is On........................Again

Last updated : 16 March 2006 By Matt Bottom

Allardyce said, "Goals change games and people go out and spend more money on a goalscorer than anyone else - that has always been the case."

"We have never been able to afford that type of player. We have a very good team and a very good squad and it becomes the final missing link to take us to the next stage.

"We are very close to the next stage now, in terms of consistency and having a very good squad that all work together for the good of the team not just themselves.

"A consistent level of performance has taken us right to the very brink but when we have got to the brink we can't take it beyond that and find the goals that would take us to the next level.

"It does make or break you in the end and a side like ours, which is very good at not conceding goals and is good at creating chances, unfortunately has not got the top edge to convert those chances into more goals - which would have brought more victories.

"Look at our two leading goalscorers - Stelios Giannakopoulos 11 and Kevin Nolan 10 (both midfielders). It is the first time in the Premiership since Michael Ricketts that we have had someone get double figures - and now we have got two.

"The others have always shared out the goals over the years which has helped us sustain our position in the Premiership."

"The capabilities are there for us. The resilience and determination is there from the players but just at this moment in time the ultimate chink in the armour is not finishing off the opposition when we have got the opportunity."

Meanwhile, Bolton have moved a step closer to secure the services of Israeli international Idan Tal for next season.

Allardyce told the club's official website: "There has been a conflict of who actually represents the player.

"We have acted professionally and properly from the outset. We have left the situation with our lawyers to resolve any issues and I believe we will sign the player soon."