Sam's reign in photos

Sam Allardyce, a former Bolton player, returns to the club as manager in September 1999 after leaving Notts County

In his first season, Bolton lose in the semi-finals of the League Cup and on penalties to Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-finals

The campaign ends in more heartbreak when Wanderers lose to Ipswich in the semi-finals of the Divison One play-offs

But the following year a 3-0 victory over Preston in the play-off final in Cardiff takes Bolton back to the top flight

They make a great start in the Premiership and briefly lead the table, but a dismal run sees them flirt with relegation

Another battle against the drop follows in 2003 - a win over Middlesbrough on the season's final day ensures their survival

Allardyce transforms Bolton's fortunes with the signings of overseas stars like Youri Djorkaeff and Jay-Jay Okocha

Bolton secure a top-eight finish in 2004 and reach the League Cup final, which they lose to Middlesbrough

Bolton's rise continues as they claim a European place in 2005 for the first time in their history after finishing sixth

Bolton progress to the knock-out stages of the Uefa Cup before being put out by French side Marseille

The forward-thinking boss is one of the first to use ProZone - the computer system that tracks players during a match

Allardyce is touted for the England manager's job in 2006 before narrowly missing out to Steve McClaren

He continues to attract big names to Bolton - Nicolas Anelka arrives at the Reebok Stadium in an £8m deal

With Wanderers again on course for a Uefa Cup spot, they face champions Chelsea amid reports Allardyce is set to quit

And the following day, club chairman Phil Gartside confirms Allardyce's resignation - ending a memorable eight-year reign

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