SAM Allardyce left Bolton's first team with a certain reputation, "Long ball specialists," writes Gary Yates from Blackrod .

As fans, we dismissed those claims. We were winning and we were a Premier League side.

We pointed to the array of world class stars that had graced the Reebok pitch - Djorkaeff, Okocha, Hierro and even Nicolas Anelka wore the white of our beloved Wanderers . That argument goes a long way to dispel the opinions of most Big Sam critics. Not me though. True, we improved under Sam. He took us from a mid-table Division One team to a mid-table Premier League side.

But a mere four years after his departure. I ask myself, where are Bolton Wanderers now? Where are we in comparison to when Sam took charge?

Disguised as "The Championship" we're a Division One team. Yes, we had the success of signing well known players and we had European adventures. But we didn't win anything.

Despite going toe to toe with the best the history books remain the same. Our history is of Lofthouse inspired glory, and no noticeable achievement in the modern era.

In October 2008 The Eddies Davies academy was launched. It has already seen success with the emergence of Bogdan, Riley and soon Josh Vela.

More importantly though, it will allow us to comply with the new Elite Player Performance Plan. Under the ruling, academies will be graded from one to four, four being the best.

It is said our academy, combined with Euxton training ground, should grade amongst the best in the country.

Crucially, the highest grade academies will be allowed to send their coaches to any other training ground in England. They'll be free to scout youngsters and signing them will come at a minimal cost compared to the outlay currently necessary.

Owen Coyle's enthusiasm in youth and willingness to allow first team budgets to be significantly affected by these developments, is something which should be celebrated. The club now understands that a long term plan is greater and more necessary than any short term "success".

In my opinion, the future is brighter than ever, we just need to be patient.