THANK you, Sam Allardyce for words of wisdom on the modern couch potato syndrome.

Health experts may produce reports, figures and scary predictions, but it takes a respected sporting figure to point out the truth we are a lazy nation breeding idle children.

The Bolton Wanderers' manager was reacting to claims by Sir Trevor Brooking, the Football Association's development officer, that soccer clubs were not producing enough home-grown talent through their academies.

While Sam agreed that not enough was being done to nurture young talent today, he placed the blame for this squarely with society. He criticised schools for selling off playingfields and felt that sport needed to be much more high-profile on the school curriculum.

He is, of course, absolutely right, but the blame doesn't just rest with an education system that puts all the emphasis on academic achievement (understandable) and national targets (pointless), and takes up too much of teachers' time with new initiatives and paperwork (lunacy).

Children's wellbeing and development relies on a balance of work and play.

And play must mean a certain amount of physical exercise, not sitting in front of a computer for hours playing games or visiting chatrooms.

Bolton does have its share of useful junior sporting initiatives, but it plainly needs more. Greater use of sports centres and more coaches would certainly help, but the real answer lies in the need for a sea-change in our thinking.

Life today, with its hi-tech short-cuts and aids, does not automatically throw up opportunities for using enough energy for the amount and type of food we take in daily.

As a result, obesity is a real problem for all ages and we have to make an effort to either go to the gym, take part in team sports, go running or for long walks.

Sam's words may be dismissed by many, but he has an excellent point to make.