WHATEVER league Bolton Wanderers line up in next August, this season has been a magnificent achievement writes Alex Sankey
When the accolades are handed out to the most successful managers, Alex Ferguson, Jean Tigana and George Burley will no doubt all be heralded for their respective triumphs.
But in Sam Allardyce, Wanderers have a manager who is second to none.
Extraordinary
To maintain a season long challenge against their mega-rich local rivals is in itself an extraordinary feat.
Sam has brought out the best in his players. He has stuck by certain individuals and been proved right time and time again. He has not been afraid to change either personnel or tactics as the situation has demanded.
Through well documented circumstances, all the other top six clubs have been able to spend much more than Bolton and that such a sustained promotion bid has been built on a virtual shoestring is commendable in itself.
The record breaking away return of 14 victories is a remarkable accomplishment put even further in perspective when you consider that the star-studded 94-95 promotion side won only five league games all season away from Burnden Park!
While there have been fine individual performances the season has essentially been a triumph for team spirit with major contributions from so many of the squad.
Although the support has sometimes been lacking in numbers a real rapport has developed between the players and supporters not unlike that which existed with the successful Seventies team of which, of course, Sam was a key player.
The club hierarchy have made real efforts to get on the same wavelength as the supporters and these gestures have been appreciated.
Big Sam and the lads have done us proud and it has been a privilege to watch them play.
I am sure there are some very exciting days ahead. There is everything to play for so let's all continue to show we are really backing Bolton.
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