GARY Speed revealed today that it was first impressions of Sam Allardyce that convinced him to put job satisfaction before financial gain.

The Welshman, who holds the record for Premiership appearances, had more lucrative offers from Fulham and Everton but, having reluctantly accepted that his Newcastle days were over, he opted for life as a Wanderer.

"I probably could have gone somewhere else for more money but it's all about job satisfaction and wanting to do well," he said after meeting his new team-mates for the first time this weekend following his £750,000 transfer to the Reebok.

"The impression I got when I came and spoke to Sam and met some of the staff convinced me to sign for Bolton."

Allardyce has built a reputation for making players feel wanted when, for various reasons, they have needed a consoling arm round their shoulders or an injection of confidence. In Speed's case it was the shock of realising he did not have a future on Tyneside.

"Bolton were the club that really showed they wanted me -- and that was enough for me," the 34-year-old midfielder said after making his Bolton bow at Bradford City on Saturday in the Wayne Jacobs testimonial.

"With other clubs it was dragging on a bit but Bolton came in and said 'Right!' -- and that was good enough for me"

Leaving Newcastle was a wrench. Having played 61 games for the Magpies last season, the former Leeds and Everton ace was looking forward to a seventh year at St James' Park.

But by the time Newcastle played a Hong Kong Xl in the final game on their Far East tour, Speed knew his days as an adopted Geordie were over. When he threw his medal into the crowd, his team-mates knew it too.

"I knew I was coming to Bolton before the game," he said. "I didn't particularly want to play because it was sad. I knew it was my last game for Newcastle, so I suppose throwing the medal into the crowd was a final farewell.

"Things had happened so fast. I played every game for Newcastle last season and it all came as a bit of a surprise.

"It was done and dusted very quickly; Newcastle accepted an offer and that was that. It was sad but that's football. Newcastle is a fantastic club with fantastic supporters, a great place to play football. I enjoyed every minute there and I want to thank them for their support over the years.

"I'm the first to admit that I haven't played well in every game but I did try my best in every game and I think the Newcastle fans appreciated that. I certainly appreciated them."

Having been infected by the passion for football on Tyneside, Speed had to explain to his two sons why it was time to move on.

A guided tour of the Reebok and a selection of club merchandise helped.

"My kids are big Newcastle fans and we like living up there," Speed added, "but that's all in the past now and I'm looking forward to the challenge ahead and looking forward to playing for Bolton.

"The kids are all right about it now."