Allardyce wary of big spenders

Bolton boss Sam Allardyce feels the new Premier League TV deal has sparked dangerously high levels of inflation within the top flight.

Allardyce has noted the scramble to stay in a league that will benefit from a £2.7billion TV windfall for three years from the start of next season, has created panic. And Allardyce claims the money being thrown around in the scramble for safety has created massive problems for clubs such as his own.

"There has been a hysteria about staying in the Premiership because of the new mega-bucks TV deal that comes into force next season," he said.

Once renowned as the number one wheeler-dealer, Allardyce was limited to just a single significant deadline-day purchase before the transfer window closed on Wednesday night, bringing in David Thompson from Portsmouth for a nominal fee.

Allardyce admitted the lack of new arrivals was not for the want of trying. An attempt to land David Dunn floundered when Blackburn stepped in at the last minute, while a host of other inquiries eventually brought no reward.

The Trotters chief feels it is no surprise the biggest net spenders last month were West Ham, Aston Villa and, in fourth place, Sheffield United, all clubs fighting to escape relegation trouble.

He added: "When you look at who has been doing the buying, it is those at the bottom, not at the top.

"Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal have hardly bought a player between them. But underneath, there is panic and that has created an inflation at our level that is dangerous to a club like ours.

"Certain clubs have started to pay big money for transfers and spend more on wages than they have ever paid before.

"When the word goes around that sort of money is on offer, every player wants it."