DEAN Holdsworth offered thanks and paid tribute to Sam Allardyce today when he revealed: "I don't think I would be here but for him!"

As Wanderers stood on the threshold of the Premiership, record signing Holdsworth reflected on the transformation in his career since Allardyce was appointed manager in October 1999.

The former Wimbledon striker has had his best season since coming to the Reebok in a £3.5 million deal in September 1997 - one of five players signed for a total of £11 million when Wanderers last hit the top flight.

But, as he prepared for the play-off duel with West Brom, the 33-year-old Londoner traced his personal rejuvenation back to last season when Allardyce arrived and immediately set about investigating why he had previously not lived up to his high standards or his big fee.

"I've not looked at it as a just a season thing," he explained, "I look at it since the gaffer came in.

"We sat down, had a chat ... I'll never forget that day. He said: 'Right, I've been watching you since you've been here and I want to know how you feel.'

"I said I want to start playing to my strengths and he's listened to that and he's done it, to be fair to him. He's always on at players to put the ball in the box and provide service. When you're a forward you're only as good as the service you get ... and for me the last 16 or 17 months have been, personally, a joy to be involved in.

"When you're full of confidence and scoring goals your a different person. You're playing with a smile on your face, which is nice."

Holdsworth took a long time to win over the Bolton fans but he is now a firm favourite at the Reebok, respected for his hard work, intelligent play and scoring ability which has brought him 15 goals in a season in which he has started just 26 games. He has again had his injury problems, which have dogged him over the four seasons with Wanderers, but he goes into the play-offs at the peak of his form and fitness, having scored six goals in his last 10 appearances.

"It wasn't that I was a failure before," he is quick to stress having always been satisfied with his contribution if not his consistency. "It was in bits and pieces but Deano Sam saved my Reebok career it wasn't as good as it's been over the last 17 months or so.

"And, if Sam hadn't been here, I don't think I would still be here now ... that's the truth!"

How long he will remain at Bolton could hinge on whether Wanderers are successful in the play-offs.

Holdsworth is one of a handful of first team regulars whose contracts expire next month and who have still to be offered new deals. It's a situation he is prepared to accept, albeit reluctantly, because he understands the club's position - on the cusp between Division One and Premiership.

"There are a few of us who don't know where we are going to be at the end of the season," he confirmed. "Once it's over we'll sit down and talk but at the moment it seems there's nothing to discuss.

"It's a vital time for the club but we are in the position of having to do the best we can for our families. If I was 21 again I might be in a different mood but, knowing the people here, they are an honest bunch and we know what the situation is.

"I know the manager will benefit from having some financial backing because the team's done wonders, despite selling three of our best players last year. It's a testimony to what we have acheived this season that you can get rid of those three players and still be in a strong position." But at the moment, we all just have to wait and see what happens."