SAM BACKS FERGIE

Last updated : 02 March 2003 By Editor

Bolton manager Sam Allardyce agrees with Fergie about the early kick off last Saturday, this from the MEN.

Sir Alex Ferguson has an ally in his bitter complaint about being forced into that noon kick-off at Bolton.

The Old Trafford supremo was unhappy at the early start, at a police request, after his side's late midweek finish in the Champions League game with Juventus.

But Reebok chief Sam Allardyce today backed Fergie's view, even though his side had enjoyed a warm-weather training break in Dubai as part of their preparation.

He said: "There is no question that a noon start on a Saturday, instead of 3pm, makes a difference when you have been playing until 10pm the previous Wednesday.

"Every player needs recovery time and United's was the bare minimum.

"Some people may think Sir Alex was nit-picking but he has a point.

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