SAM Allardyce has urged Wanderers to back Gary Megson in the transfer market.

The former Bolton manager has been impressed by his old club’s resurgence this season.

But Big Sam says the Wanderers boss must be given funds to further strengthen the squad when the window reopens in January – or face the consequences.

“The ever-growing problem every manager has is persuading his board to invest more and more money,” said Allardyce, who left the Reebok for an ill-fated spell in charge of Newcastle in May 2007.

“If you’re going to sustain the success then the only way you can do that is by buying players that are better than the ones you have already got.

“If you can’t compete on that level then, ultimately, you will fail.”