SAM Allardyce had the consolation today of knowing that, despite missing out on the major prize, his team's efforts had not gone unappreciated.

The victories at Barnsley and Wolves, which kept the pressure on Blackburn right up to the final minute of their promotion clinching win at Preston on Wednesday, earned Wanderers the Scottish Mutual Performance of the Week award from the League Managers Association.

The panel, chaired by Howard Wilkinson and made up of Sir Alex Ferguson, Graham Taylor, Dave Bassett and Barry Fry felt the two wins, which created an all-time club record of 14 away wins in a season, was worthy of the Stuart Crystal chalice, which goes to the winners.

"We are delighted our efforts have been recognised in this way," Allardyce said, "but we would have swapped places with Blackburn."

Allardyce has congratulated Rovers boss Graeme Souness for his promotion success. "He has turned Rovers into a force again," he said.