WANDERERS boss Sam Allardyce believes the signing of Nicolas Anelka for a club record fee of é8m underlines his club's ambitious this season.

After their run in the UEFA Cup last season, Allardyce wants his side back in Europe and has invested in the controversial French striker to provide the firepower.

"It's an unprecedented amount of money for Bolton Wanderers to spend and fully underlines the club's ambition," said Allardyce.

The 27-year-old Frenchman has arrived from Turkish club Fenerbahce and was due to travel to London with Allardyce to meet his new team-mates ahead of this afternoon's game against Charlton.

Anelka's career has been littered with trophies - he was part of the squad for France's Euro 2000 triumph - but the striker has never strayed far from controversy.

As a teenager he was one of Arsene Wenger's first signings at Arsenal but by 1999, after helping win the double, it became clear he wanted a move and he was transferred to Spanish giants Real Madrid.

He won the Champions League with Real but failed to settle at the Bernabeu and moved back to Paris St Germain before spells at Liverpool, Manchester City and then Fenerbahce.

Reputation

Allardyce has forged a reputation for rescuing careers of players on the wane, and it appears he will need those powers to get the best out of a striker who has struggled to settle at any one club since moving from Arsenal.

Allardyce said: "Patience is a virtue, and I am pleased to say that all the waiting and hard-work we've done behind the scenes has paid off.

"Nicolas is a player with an amazing track record in the Premiership, he was born to score goals. His talent and experience will be a valuable asset for us."

Bolton chairman Phil Gartside believes Allardyce is the manager to get the best out of Anelka.

Gartside said: "He'll have the ability to handle this guy.

"I have met Anelka and was impressed with him as a person. I don't think that Sam will have a problem.

"I hope it demonstrates the club's commitment to our success. Sam's not made any secret of his ambitions and he wants to satisfy them here, not anywhere else."

Gartside rejected suggestions Allardyce's passion for the game had dipped since losing out on the England job, and the Wandeers chief also revealed that the club have been in contact with Fulham over Steed Malbranque.

"We've made no secret that we'll spend some money this year," Gartside added.

"We've been careful how we've spent money but it doesn't mean we'll not spend more.

"Sam was disappointed not getting the biggest job in football but there is no talk of him leaving."

Do you think Allardyce will be able to manage Anelka successfully? Have your say.

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