Sam Fuming Over Benayoun Deal

Last updated : 21 July 2005 By Matt Bottom

Bolton manager Sam Allardyce believes Yossi Benayoun's decision to snub the UEFA Cup qualifiers in favour of a transfer to West Ham was motivated by finance rather than football.

"I think he went for the money," said Allardyce of the £2.5million transfer from Racing Santander.

"The answer is if he didn't want to come to a club like ours, which is a great club, then he went to West Ham for more money.

"We are an established Premier League club now and we have achieved a UEFA Cup spot.

"So I think it was very stupid, a big mistake. He changed his mind, that's his decision and good luck to him."