Sam rues cup defeat

Bolton Manager Sam Allardyce has expressed his dismay at seeing his side’s exit from the Carling Cup at the hands of local rivals, Wigan Athletic.

Allardyce believes that Bolton’s best chances of winning some silverware was in the Carling Cup competition. He said the ‘Carling Cup is a realistic one for us, and the shortest route to the club winning some silverware for the first time since 1958.’

Allardyce blamed poor defending during a five minute spell at the end of the second half for Bolton’s exit,
‘It was comic-book defending from ourselves.’

Allardyce singled out Wigan striker Jason Roberts for particular praise, ‘the major difference on the night was Jason Roberts who has now established himself as a Premiership centre forward.

‘He was superb, not only with his finishing but with his all-round general play, and he has now become a major factor for them.’