BOLTON fan hero Dean Holdsworth doesn't know whether to laugh or cry about his sudden move to Coventry on a month's loan.

The 34-year-old striker impressed boss Gary McAllister on his debut despite a 2-1 home defeat by Preston.

The Highfield Road manager said: "Dean came in and tried very hard to lead the line for us - but there wasn't a great deal of service up to him.

"I didn't think he got enough decent ball. He's come out of reserve team football, so a bit more time here will definitely help him."

Holdsworth is reluctant to leave Bolton, who he joined for a club record é3.5m from Wimbledon in October 1997, because he has a deep affection for the Reebok club.

But his contract expires at the end of the season and he knows there won't be another. He is desperate to stay in the game, preferably nearer to his family in the Home Counties.

If he can do a job for Coventry, he can jump the queue of players who will become available at the end of the season by getting a new contract before then.

Chance

He said: "This is a great chance for me. It's another instalment in the chapter of events I have gone through during my career.

"Coventry are looking to push for the play-offs and achieve promotion, and I hope to help. I can bring a lot of experience to the side.

"I was impressed with what I saw when I trained with the boys. Everybody made me feel welcome.

"I know Craig Hignett well, and there are some other familiar faces.

"This is a great opportunity for me to impress Gary McAllister and the Coventry fans and then maybe things can go on from there.

"I'll have to leave that up to Gary and his coaches but I'm looking to give it my all. I've tended to stick around at clubs for long periods, and managers always want me to - which is a good thing for me."

Significant

Holdsworth won't have missed the significance of Bolton letting him go, despite their injury problems.

Even so, he would be hard pressed to decide - if he got the chance - between staying at Coventry or returning to the Bolton first team.

Allardyce wouldn't stand in Holdsworth's way if Coventry came in with a permanent offer.

He said: "Coventry would be a good location for Dean because it is much nearer his family.

"He has not been figuring for us on a regular basis, and if they wanted to keep him it could help clear the way for me to get funds to bring in players next month.

"I hope Dean can secure a place at Coventry, or somewhere else. He wouldn't have gone if a move was not a possibility - he went because it gave him the chance to show he's a top quality first division striker."

His sudden exit caught everyone by surprise, including the player himself.

Deep down, Holdsworth knows that it could be the best thing for him to get out now.

But it would be sad if he finished at the Reebok without the chance of a fitting farewell.