Big Sam Allardyce whose pugnacious style of coaching revitalized Bolton announced his resignation in a shocker. The resignation is with immediate effect.
Why this unseemly haste in resigning? Allardyce could have waited till the end of the season. Bolton is still in the hunt for an UEFA cup qualification.
Does this statement make sense?
" However, after guiding the team to the verge of qualification for European football for the second time in three years, I feel it is the right moment."
It sounds like Big Sam decided to stiff Bolton when they needed him the most. The reason given is that the Wanderers CEO, Phil Gartside who has had his share of differences with Allardyce in the past especially with the bung taking controversy decided not to open up his purse strings to get Allardyce some of the big name transfers. In short, he wanted Allardyce to keep producing on the cheap like he has done for many years as Bolton manager. Allardyce had had enough.
Man City beckons as they are disenchanted with present manager Stuart Pearce. Even Newcastle has been mentioned as a possible destination. For Allardyce and the record he achieved at Bolton, there should be no shortage of clubs who would welcome him.
Like Harry Redknapp at West Ham, there will always be a (did he jump before he was pushed) feel to Big Sam's departure. If Sam wanted to slight Phil Gartside, why do it in a way that jars the fans?