The 37-year old veteran striker who returned to Weymouth in the summer as manager following a long and distinguished career in league football with no fewer than ten league clubs has said in his weekly newspaper column that the Bolton boss should win the award ahead of the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger who despite acheiving success have millions at their disposal whereas Allardyce has to assemble a side on a very tight budget.
"With limited resources, what he acheives every year is equal to what Fergie (Sir Alex Ferguson) and Arsene Wenger do. His heroic efforts ought to see Big Sam named as manager of the season" Claridge said.