http://www.boltoneveningnews.co.uk/wandere...ak_the_bank.php

 

Break the bank

By Gordon Sharrock

SAM Allardyce has told his Reebok bosses they must be ready to spend big if they are to solve the problem that threatens to shatter their European dreams.

 

The Wanderers boss says it is only the absence of a tried and trusted hit man a 15 to 20 goals a season striker that has left them clutching at Intertoto straws as they look to qualify for a second season of UEFA Cup football.

 

He knows the man he wants a Premiership player who is in his prime which probably rules out a move for Cardiff's ??3m-rated 19-year-old Cameron Jerome who has been linked with Wanderers; what he doesn't know is whether he can afford him.

 

"He's going to be a few million, to say the least," Allardyce said, not identifying his target but confirming with a nod that Wanderers would have to spend more than ever on one player eclipsing the ??4.5 million they are believed to have paid Liverpool last summer for El-Hadji Diouf.

 

Wanderers meet Middlesbrough at the Reebok tonight, needing maximum points to keep alive their hopes of finishing above Newcastle to claim seventh spot and qualify for the Intertoto Cup the back door into the UEFA Cup.

 

The race would then hinge on Sunday's final fixtures with Wanderers at home to Birmingham and Newcastle at home to Chelsea.

 

But Allardyce firmly believes they would be home and dry, possibly even mounting a challenge for the Champions League, if he already had the striker he has spent five years scouring the world to find.

 

This time, though, he is more optimistic than ever that he can persuade his chairman, Phil Gartside, to back him with cash.

 

"We've spoken at length," he said. "It's not that certain, but we all know the area we've been trying to address..

 

"We've tried very good goal scorers from other countries, but I don't think they've been the right age like Jared Borgetti (32), who has been scoring goals in some games but not been a major force in the Premiership this year, and Mario Jardel before him. He simply wasn't suited to the Premiership.

 

"They were affordable with a goal scoring record. But we will look around this country first and see where we go from there."

 

Allardyce has repeatedly highlighted the lack of a genuine goal scorer being the single most important factor that has prevented Wanderers sustaining a top four challenge. It was apparent yet again on Sunday when they outplayed Spurs before going down 1-0 a result that sends them into tonight's game with a dismal record of having taken just four points from their last eight games.

 

"If we can get as big a performance as we got at Tottenham, I believe we can win the game," Allardyce said, confidently. "But we have to put the finishing touches to the performance.

 

"We've dominated long periods in the vast majority of the games even against Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United. We've been in control, had our opportunities to get our noses in front and to give ourselves something to hold onto, but only managed one win."

 

Wanderers are hoping Boro, who face Sevilla in the UEFA Cup Final in Eindhoven next Wednesday, may struggle to raise their game again after holding Manchester United to a scoreless draw on Monday night.

 

Allardyce, who admits his own players have faded at the end of a long, hard season tonight is their 52nd match sympathises with Boro, who are playing their 62nd. It's a situation he hopes he can take full advantage of.

 

"This game is of no consequence to Steve," he added. "His job now is to prepare for a cup final. My job is to win our last two games."

 

if we add a proven goalscorer, as far as i can see, that means the end of kevin davies.

 

or does sam intend on sticking 2 up front eventually?

Now that is a good interview.

I think Sam likes Kev playing on the right side of a 3, so still a place in the team for him.

 

Could mean Stelios is used as a make weight for Cisse [-(

eh i wudnt't mind cisse at bolton, rapid player im.

darren campbell can run 100m in 10sec, dunt mean he can play football...

darren campbell can run 100m in 10sec, dunt mean he can play football...

 

when stelios does his control the ball and it bounces 5 yards towards his own goal trick, i'm tempted to swap him for darren campbell

eh i wudnt't mind cisse at bolton, rapid player im.

 

well, cisse can play football end of story, and im not mocking stel but he always cuts back on himself.

but it doesnt really matter because i perfer him playing just behind super kev.

i would love cisse to play for bolton.

 

well quick and knows where the goal is.

 

admittidly him and diouf in the same team would be a a bit nuts.