Football story by Dominic Taylor, Tue, 07 Feb 2006 15:52:00 GMT


LONDON - Bolton Wanderers chairman Phil Gartside has categorically stated that his manager Sam Allardyce is free to take on the England coaching job should it be offered to him, but there was no question of him taking up a managerial position at St James' Park.

"Should the call come from the FA, it would be a very proud moment for Sam, Bolton Wanderers and me personally," Gartside said on Bolton's website. "But he has made it perfectly clear to me he's not interested in managing a Premier League club at any of the current vacancies."

Newcastle United who recently sacked Graeme Souness are looking for a replacement and Sam Allardyce is believed to top their shopping list. Allardyce has also been linked to the England coaching job after Sven Goran-Eriksson leaves the team after the World Cup in Germany. The FA has constituted a panel to start the process of looking for a new coach and Allardyce and PSV and Australia coach Guus Hiddink are believed to top that list along with Luiz Felipe-Scolari.

"You would not stand in anyone's way if they had the opportunity to achieve those sort of heights. If you are in football management this is the best job you can get. I am flattered Sam's name has been linked with the England coaching vacancy. Until such time, Sam is 100% committed to his important role at Bolton," Gartside said.

"He is excited about the prospect of guiding the club on three major fronts - the Uefa Cup, the FA Cup and the possibility of yet another top-half finish in the Premiership." Allardyce has transformed the Bolton team and took them to Europe last season.

Bolton are also in the FA Cup fifth round after beating Arsenal 1-0 at home. Last year Newcastle had approached Allardyce before Souness, but he had elected to remain at Bolton, but this year any such approach would be unwelcome, Gartside stressed.

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