BOLTON chaairman Phil Gartside insists manager Sam Allardyce - linked with the vacant Newcastle post - is going nowhere.

According to reports, the St James' Park outfit have identified Allardyce as a successor to Sir Bobby Robson, who parted company with the club yesterday following a poor start to the season.

But Gartside told the club's official website: "Sam Allardyce is five years into a 10-year contract at Bolton Wanderers. He is committed to rewriting the history of this club.

"As far as I am concerned Sam has only written the first page and is dedicated to finishing that job. I have a special relationship with Sam and I am sure he will want to finish the job here and create a legacy."

Birmingham have already made it clear that any move for their north-east born manager Steve Bruce would require a '5m compensation pay-out, and Bolton would be likely to pursue a similar big money claim.

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