Allardyce explains Bridges release decision

Bolton Wanderers' gaffer and former Sunderland player Sam Allardyce has today explained why he's chosen to let Michael Bridges leave the Reebok Stadium.

Allardyce signed Bridges in the close season after he'd been linked with a return to us, but the striker has yet to kick a ball competitively for the Wanderers - and seemingly doesn't figure in Big Sam's plans.

Allardyce said today that the luxury of strength in depth in his team enabled him to let Bridges go.

Bridges is one of eight strikers at the Reebok this season, and Allardyce confirmed to the Bolton Evening News, "It's the strength of the squad that has allowed me to let Michael leave.

"He needs first team football on a regular basis but, because of the players we have here now, it was difficult to see where he was going to force his way into the side.

"it will be good for him if he goes and grabs his place at Sunderland, which is where he started."