Off in a hurry - Sam's rapid exit paves the way to Newcastle

A day after Sportsmail revealed that Allardyce would stand down at the end of the season, the 52-year-old quit under pressure from the Lancashire club. Sammy Lee is expected to take charge for the remaining two games.

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Now Allardyce is the front-runner to replace Newcastle's Glenn Roeder this summer, only 14 months after turning down the job at St James' Park. He has not committed himself to anything and is aware of interest from Manchester City, who are almost certain to part company with Stuart Pearce this summer.

Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd offered the job to Allardyce after sacking Graeme Souness in February 2006, only for his prime target to turn it down at the last minute.

That still rankles with Shepherd, who has also expressed private concerns recently that unsubstantiated allegations in the Panorama bung' investigation have put some people at the club off Allardyce. Shepherd has publicly insisted that Roeder will be his manager next season and the two have discussed transfer budgets.

Nevertheless, Shepherd maintains an admiration for Allardyce's work during his eight years at Bolton. Allardyce himself is known to prefer a job in the north west, where his wife Lynn is settled, and would be interested in the post at City.

But with the City of Manchester Stadium currently the scene of a complex takeover saga, Allardyce knows it would be risky to wait and see if he is favoured by whoever — if anybody — buys the club.

Allardyce, who has not given up hope of one day getting the England job, decided to bring forward the announcement about his future yesterday after Sportsmail leaked news of his plans.

Bolton chairman Gartside will hold a press conference this morning and describe the split as amicable.

But it is understood Gartside was so unsure of Allardyce's intentions that he phoned City chairman John Wardle last Thursday to ask if he intended trying to poach his manager.

Bolton are expected to replace Allardyce with his assistant Lee, who said: "I have always been ambitious and I have been very, very fortunate because I have worked under some very good people, learning my trade.

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"I haven't managed before but I would like to one day, although it's for other people to make that decision. Sam knew I had aspirations when I came here. I have not been digging away in any shape or form.

"I have been here to help him and assist and he has certainly broadened my horizons and has certainly broadened my education with regard to coaching."