From Big Sam to Little Sam in one complicated move…
The Big Sam Timeline:
Big Sam quits, with chairman Phil Gartside citing ‘personal reasons’ for his manager’s shock departure.
Little Sammy Lee is appointed the new Bolton boss.
Unfounded rumours that Sam actually left Bolton so he could manage Man City displease Gartside, who would be ‘none too pleased’ to see Allardyce take over from Stuart Pearce.
Big Sam pooh-poohs such talk. There, hope that’s cleared that up.
Big Sam did a fine job during his eight years with Bolton. Appointing Sammy Lee will at least provide continuity at the club, but I don’t see it as a progressive move and I confidently predict now that Bolton will finish worse-off next season than they do this season.