Versatile Fernandes

Last updated : 14 September 2005 By Matt Bottom
Bolton Wanderers boss Sam Allardyce says he hasn't settled on a specified role for new signing Fabrice Fernandes.

The Wanderers new boy has played almost exclusively as a winger in the past, but Allardyce is prepared to give him the scope to display his full range of talents.

"I haven't got a specific job in mind for him but the more roles he can play, the more games he'll play," the manager said.

"Once he gets the opportunity to play I expect him to turn on the form he showed at Southampton, particularly under Gordon Strachan, and try to keep the shirt. If we can get that out of him we'll have a very valuable player.

"He is well versed with the demands of the Premiership. He has played with a smaller club like ourselves at Southampton.

"He had one very good season with them where they finished in the top half of the table and he played more than 30 games.

"He can bring a lot to the squad in terms of wide left, wide right or centre midfield and, hopefully, his experience will play a big part in our season."