Allardyce had Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen top of his list for the January transfer window, and the player made it clear he wanted a move to Tyneside.
Allegedly Big Sam was concerned about Shay Given's groin problems that have troubled the Toon goalkeeper since he suffered that horror challenge at Upton Park, and he had just about tied up the deal with Bolton.
But times change ... Shay didn't want to leave St James' Park ... and the balance of power changed when Sam was shown the door.
Today Bolton signed one of their longest-serving players on a new contract, ending any Newcastle speculation.
Allegedly Big Sam was concerned about Shay Given's groin problems that have troubled the Toon goalkeeper since he suffered that horror challenge at Upton Park, and he had just about tied up the deal with Bolton. But times change ... Shay didn't want to leave St James' Park ... and the balance of power changed when Sam was shown the door.
Today Bolton signed one of their longest-serving players on a new contract, ending any Newcastle speculation.
Jaaskelainen put pen to paper on four year deal.
Jaaskelainen, 33, is now expected to see out his career at the Reebok Stadium.
He will start the next season in his tenth year for the club after making his debut against Crystal Palace in the second tier in August 1998.