Sam Allardyce has surprisingly resigned as manager of Bolton just two matches before the end of the season.

Big Sam, who had been one of the longest serving managers at the same club in English football, has recently been linked with taking over at Manchester City, but nonetheless the developement has come out of the blue.

Reports began emerging before yesterday's 2-2 draw with Chelsea that Allardyce might be leaving at the end of the season, but it has today been revealed that he will be departing the Reebok Stadium with immediate effect.

Allardyce said: "This has been one of the hardest decisions I've ever made but it's time for a new exciting era for Bolton under different leadership."

He added: "It was mutually decided that I step down now rather than at the end of the season.

"That will give my successor the ideal opportunity to experience the preparation and build up of matchday in readiness of next season.

"After guiding the team into a position where the club is on the verge of qualifying for European football for the second time in three years, I feel it is the right moment to step down.

"I feel the club is in a great position to continue its upward trajectory with a talented, internationally-recognised squad supported by an excellent Academy programme under the guidance of a highly-skilled football management team.

"The foundations for the next phase is well and truly in place. It is with this knowledge that I feel confident that I am moving on with my life content with a legacy that I have tried to create for this special club.

"I wish the owner, chairman, staff, players and all the fans every success in the future."

Bolton are currently fifth in the Premiership, but now face the danger that their Uefa Cup bid will collapse at the end of the season for a second year running.

Chairman Phil Gartside said: "I have reluctantly accepted Sam's resignation after eight years of unprecedented success at the club.

"Since joining the club as manager in 1999, he has helped lead a fantastic transformation of this famous Lancashire club.

"He has helped design and build an infrastructure that will enable the club to continue the progress we have undoubtedly made during his period of office."

goal.com