SAM Allardyce has defended his 'Dad's Army' recruitment drive after signing three thirtysomethings this summer.
The Wanderers boss added 36-year-old Spanish defender Fernando Hierro to his squad on Wednesday following the earlier acquisitions of Les Ferdinand and Gary Speed, who are 37 and 34 respectively.
And, although he has also brought in Michael Bridges, who is 25, and Israeli Tal Ben Haim, 22, it is the more aged members of Allardyce's squad that are giving some Bolton fans cause for concern.
But Allardyce says financial constraints have forced him to shop at the top end of the age scale.
"People are bound to say 'look at the age' but it's something I just haven't been able to avoid," he said.
"I realise most of these guys won't be able to play three games a week but that isn't what I am looking for. I am looking for the most quality I can get with the money I have available and in Fernando Hierro we are getting a world-class performer."
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