Allardyce steps down at Bolton
The 52-year-old took charge at Bolton in 1999 and transformed their
fortunes, turning The Trotters into a solid Premiership
outfit.
Reports on Saturday suggested he had opted to head for a new
challenge, with it being claimed he had agreed a deal with
prospective Manchester City buyer Ray Ranson to take charge at
Eastlands.
Allardyce oversaw Saturday's draw with Chelsea, but it has proved
to be his last act as he has confirmed his resignation in a
statement on the club's website.
He has refused to divulge any reason for his departure, but
Allardyce has claimed it is one of the hardest decisions he has
ever had to make.
"After nearly eight privileged years with Bolton Wanderers Football
Club, I would like to announce that, after careful consideration
and dialogue with my close family and senior officials within the
football club, I will be resigning as manager of the club with
immediate effect," said Allardyce.
"It was mutually decided that I step down now rather than at the
end of the season, to give my successor the ideal opportunity to
experience the preparation and build up of matchday in readiness of
next season.
"The decision to leave the football club, which has been my
spiritual home for over 18 years, as both player and manager, is
one of the hardest decisions I have had to make in my life.
"However, after guiding the team into a position where the club is
on the verge of qualification for European football for the second
time in three years, which has been the accumulation of almost
seven years of strategic building and hard work across all areas of
the football club, I feel it is the right moment to step down from
my duties and welcome a new exciting era for the club under
different leadership.
"I feel the club is in a great position to continue its upward
trajectory with a talented internationally-recognised squad,
supported by an excellent Academy programme across all ages working
under the guidance of a highly-skilled football management
team.
"I believe the foundation of the next phase for the next
development stage of the club is well and truly in place. It is
with this knowledge that I feel confident that I am moving on with
my life content with a legacy that I have tried to create for this
special club and I wish the owner, chairman, staff, players and
above all the fans every success in the future."
