By Mark Heys
January 11 2007

Barclays have named Sam Allardyce as the Premier League manager of the month for December after the Wanderers boss lead his team to five consecutive victories. Allardyce steered Bolton to wins over West Ham United, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Portsmouth to keep the club in and amongst the Champions League pace setters.

It is the fourth time tht the former Notts County chief has won such an award having previously picked up the prestigious gong in August 2001, November 2003 and January 2004.

Allardyce dedicated the award to his players and backroom staff and hoped that there would be more in the way of recognition before the current campaign comes to a close.

"I am delighted to be named Barclays Manager of the Month. We made great strides in December and even though I receive all the plaudits, I must personally thank the players and my backroom staff for their effort and application. Without their commitment we wouldn't be in this position.

"It is now about looking forward and pushing on to try and win this award again this season. If I can achieve that milestone again, I know that we will get very close to our first goal and that is European qualification through our league position."

Barclays Awards panel representative Jim Hytner says that the award is recognition for the achievemtns of Bolton throughout the season so far.

"Allardyce's award recognises the commitment and strength shown by Bolton during the current season. Their impressive form at the end of the year, which saw them score ten goals in December, suggests that they will continue to impress in 2007."