LONDON, April 28 - Sam Allardyce will quit as
manager of Premier League Bolton Wanderers at the end of the
season, British newspapers reported on Saturday.
The 52-year-old, in charge at Bolton for eight years, has
two years left on his contract but has told chairman Phil
Gartside he wants some time off, according to the reports in The
Sun and the Daily Mail.
Bolton are challenging for a UEFA Cup place this season and
moved closer to their goal with a well-deserved 2-2 draw at
Stamford Bridge against champions Chelsea on Saturday.
The Daily Mail said Allardyce, beaten by Steve McClaren to
the job of England manager last year, could oust McClaren if
England fail to qualify for the European Championship later this
year. He has also been linked to Newcastle United and Manchester
City.
Allardyce did not speak to the media after the match on
Saturday, leaving his assistant Sammy Lee to meet reporters.
When asked about the reports, Lee replied: "As far as we are
concerned it is only speculation. As soon as we know anything
about it we'll let you know."
Lee added that Allardyce did not come to talk because he was
not feeling well and had travelled down separately from the team
because he was poorly.