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Sam Allardyce has admitted that he knew he would be criticised for leaving Notts County in 1999 for Bolton Wanderers but stated that it was an opportunity he couldn't miss and so had to be "selfish". In an interview published in "Record Breakers - The Inside Story of Notts County’s Momentous 1997/98 Title Win", the former Magpies boss was asked why he decided to up sticks. "I think I had to be selfish for myself," he replied. "There was a great affinity with the club and a great relationship that I had built. This opportunity came along where I had to be selfish for myself, and not feel anything other than the fact I have got to do it for me. "I knew I would be criticised for leaving, but there were other circumstances I don’t really want to go into that actually helped that decision to be made. "The real decision was that this was a football club that gave me my career in football, gave me my dream, and gave me everything I wanted to achieve. "Even though I’m not north-west or Bolton-born and bred, I am an adopted Boltonian. I arrived there at 15 and married a Bolton girl. "The new stadium at Bolton – the Reebok Stadium – to walk in the middle of that and say, “I’m back where I always wanted to be,” to try and take that club forward, that became the next challenge. "All that I did at Limerick, Blackpool and Notts County, all that I’d learned down there in terms of finding the right solutions to problems when we were financially strapped – I think Bolton at that stage were £45m in the red, which doesn’t actually seem a lot now but then that was a bankrupt football club really. "I had the tools to manage all of that because of what I’d done at Limerick, Blackpool and Notts County. That apprenticeship stood me in good stead to move on, but I’ll never forget, never forget that particular season. Ever." Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

New Notts County signing Nicky Hunt has expressed his delight at linking up with former teammate Kevin Nolan at Meadow Lane. The veteran defender, most recently on the books at Leyton Orient - where he played under Nolan - played alongside him at Bolton Wanderers and signed for Notts on Tuesday alongside young midfielder Elliot Hodge. Hunt told the official club site: "I'm delighted to sign here. It's a great club and I'm looking forward to the challenge ahead. "When Kev gives you a ring you know what he's all about and it's fantastic for me to join up with him again. "I've known him since I was 17 and he's a good friend of mine. His work ethic's tremendous, which is key to success especially in the lower leagues. "There's a great group here with a mixture of experienced and young lads. I've been very impressed with the players that are here." Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. We at Pride of Nottingham want you to enjoy all our content for free. If you fancy helping us provide even better content, however, please consider contributing to PON by clicking here!