Big Sam steps down

Blues and Black Cats move up

Drop fears for Fulham

—– Following concerted press speculation over the last couple of days, Sam Allardyce ends his eight-year reign as manager of Bolton Wanderers by resigning with immediate effect.
They are currently fifth in the Premiership and on the verge of UEFA Cup qualification.
They usual get-out clause of ‘taking the club as far is he can’ has a genuine ring of truth, but the timing and curious explanation of his departure - two games before the end of the season - provokes more questions than answers.
In a statement issued on the club’s official web site, Big Sam says: “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 match days in readiness for next season.
“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.”
Chairman Phil Gartside ‘reluctantly accepted’ his resignation, and admits to knowing about the impending departure a fortnight ago: “His reasons are private, we respect that.
“It’s a complicated decision. Bolton has been his spiritual home for 18 years and it was a difficult decision. We’ve enjoyed a fantastic relationship and it’s a very difficult time for us both.”
Allardyce did not attend the post-match interview following yesterday’s 2-2 draw at Chelsea.
He is immediately linked with the manager’s job at Manchester City, even though there isn’t a vacancy.
In the recent past, the former Notts County and Blackpool boss was strongly to the manager’s post at Newcastle United and interviewed for the England managerial position following Sven-Goran Eriksson’s departure last summer.
Assistant manager Sammy Lee is the favourite to take over, at least until the end of the season.

—– Birmingham City and Sunderland confirm their return to the Premiership without kicking a ball.
Blues and the Black Cats are back in the top flight after a one-year absence following third-placed Derby County’s 0-2 defeat at Crystal Palace.
Birmingham chairman David Gold says: “A few months back people were looking to see Steve Bruce go from the club.
“They were saying to us ‘you should do certain things’ but forgive me if I now say we have been vindicated for refusing to panic and in keeping faith in Steve.
“It is rare for clubs to go straight back up and it is a great performance to achieve that.”
His counterpart at the Stadium of Light, Niall Quinn reflects: “It’s terrific because everybody played a part, none more so than Roy Keane and the players.
“It shows that when people put their mind to it and work as a team, you are capable of doing anything.
“There will be immense pride around the city.”

—– Fulham are in increasing danger of moving in the opposite direction after a 1-3 defeat at Arsenal.
They have now gone ten Premiership games without a win and only a point above the relegation trapdoor with two games to play.
They looked set for a valuable point when Simon Davies equalised on 78 minutes but lose out to two late Gunners goals.
Manager Lawrie Sanchez says: “I think we were a bit naive - a point would have been fantastic but we just got a rush of blood to the head after the equaliser and went hell for leather looking to seal survival on the day.
“We got punished by a quality Arsenal attack but that’s football. It can be very cruel.”