SAM Allardyce will be hoping for a timely boost to his summer war-chest after a report confirmed Wanderers were one of the most soundly-run clubs in the Premiership.

The Deloitte report revealed that only Wanderers and Manchester United spent less than half of their overall turnover on wages during the season 2003/4 - well below the Premiership average of 61 per cent.

Excluding big-spending Chelsea, the average wage bill for the other 19 Premiership clubs decreased by one per cent. Wanderers finished eighth that season, but this season's sixth place finish, which ensured European qualification for the first time in the club's history, might well have convinced Wanderers' board to loosen the purse strings and enable Allardyce to bring in some big names during the summer.

Whatever the outcome, Wanderers will regard the report's finding as another pat on the back as they continue to flout the Premiership's established big-spenders.

Club spokesman Danny Reuben said: "The club has grown from strength to strength in recent years. Turnover has increased year-on-year as the club continues its rapid growth and success.

"The club prides itself on its sound financial footing and innovative ways that sets us apart from the majority of professional sporting organisations in this country.

"The need for the business to be run along sound financial lines is paramount if we are to ensure that we avoid the pitfalls that have befallen other clubs in recent times."

Allardyce has been linked with a string of big name signings already this summer - with El-Hadji Diouf, Nicky Butt, Lee Bowyer, Didi Hamann and Benny McCarthy all said to be interesting the Bolton boss.