SAM Allardyce is to swap the dugout for the oche after accepting an invitation to compete against some of the best darters in the world.

The Wanderers' boss has been handed a 'wild card' entry for the Laurel UK Open North West Regional Final in Manchester on Saturday, March 22.

Billed as Sam 'The Gaffer' Allardyce, he has been drawn against Peter Castle in the first round match at the Royal Oak and, if he can cause an upset, could find himelf face to face with the likes of Eric Bristow, Ronnie 'The Rocket' Baxter, former world champion Steve Beaton or rising star Colin 'Jaws' Lloyd.

The ultimate goal is a place in the UK Open Finals, which take place at the Reebok Stadium between May 30 and June 1, and with former world champions Phil Taylor and John Part giving him the benefit of their experience and expertise, Big Sam - nothing more than an enthusiastic amateur - is aiming to pull off one of the biggest sporting shocks of the season.

"I've been practising and I'm looking forward to taking on some of the pros," said Allardyce, who has had a board set up at the club's Euxton training headquarters.

"We're under a lot of pressure at Wanderers and I'm looking forward to experiencing a different sort of pressure at the dart board. In every sport the main aim is to win, it's no different to going out on a football pitch. If you have a winner's mentality you want to come out on top whatever sport you're playing.

"I fancy my chances of getting to the UK Open Finals - I'd have home advantage after all so who knows what might happen."

Whatever the outcome of his debut on the professional darts circuit, Allardyce and the his players will have the support of Phil 'The Power' Taylor and the 'Voice of Darts', Sid Waddell at their crunch match against Spurs on March 24.

The pair will make the 'Golden Gamble' draw on the pitch at half time and make a guest appearance on Sky Sports Monday Night Football programme.