SAM Allardyce refuses to accept Bolton's record of five defeats and one draw from their last six games is linked to the speculation surrounding him and the England job.

"I don't think it's cocked up our season," he insisted.

"The only thing that has cocked up our season is ourselves - the players and the staff."

Allardyce hasn't just been touted as the next England chief. He's been mentioned as Graeme Souness's successor at Newcastle and, if Steve McClaren gets the nod from the FA, any forthcoming vacancy at Middlesbrough.

The situation maybe more worrying for the fans and chairman Phil Gartside.

But Allardyce is already planning to be at the Reebok Stadium next season.

Position

"Until I hear other things from the FA then I'm employed by this football club. And as such I'm planning what players are going out and who might be coming in.

"However, if it does come to the leaving point the club will be left in a very healthy and stable position." Allardyce concedes he won't be planning for a Champions League campaign. He hopes it will be for a place in the UEFA Cup for a second successive season.

And if all else fails then he'd be happy to take Bolton into the Intertoto Cup for the first time.

Wanderers are believed to be one of the Premiership sides registered for that competition.

Allardyce wants Bolton to collect at least three wins from their last four games to guarantee European qualification starting with the game against Charlton Athletic tomorrow.

"I think 60 points could do it but the way things are going maybe even more. We hope we don't have to go down the Intertoto route but it won't be a burden if we have to do.

"At one stage we had a great chance to break the 60 points barrier. We can still do it but it's that bit more difficult now."

Wanderers kick-off in ninth position, two places higher than Charlton with 49 points, two more than their visitors. They also have a game in hand on the three sides above them.

"Realistically, we are looking for three victories out of four. But at any stage of the Premiership, whoever you are playing, it is a very difficult thing to do for a Bolton Wanderers team."

Israeli international Tal Ben Haim comes back into the reckoning after missing Monday's draw at West Brom through suspension.

But Senegal striker El-Hadji Diouff seems set to miss out again, at loggerheads with Allardyce over the seriousness of his fitness after a double hernia operation.

Why do you think Bolton's form has suffered of late? Have your say.

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