AT last the waiting's over. Sam Allardyce was this morning confirmed as the new manager of Bolton Wanderers.

For many the appointment will be a popular one. Big Sam is one of the club's playing legends and many supporters hold the man in high regard.

Others will lament the fact that another loyal servant, Phil Brown, has ended up as Sam's bridesmaid, despite being elevated from the position of club coach to assistant manager.

Those in the decision-making seats at the Reebok will have many reasons for choosing Allardyce over Brown, not least the disappointing attendance figures at the Reebok.

Allardyce, despite having relatively little experience in the manager's chair has recently enjoyed considerable success on a restricted budget at Notts County. And like everyone on a winning streak he sports an air of optimism and confidence, something the Reebok has sadly missed in recent months.

Brown, who secretly must be disappointed not to have been selected after a good run of league and cup results, will realise that to many he is still associated with the final days of Colin Todd's topsy-turvy reign.

In the cut-throat world of football commercial considerations are paramount.

Allardyce will bring crowds flocking back as long as he can inspire the team to early victories.

And that will keep the supporters and his new chairman smiling.

We wish him and Brown well in their roles. Wanderers deserve success and the town needs a successful Wanderers.

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