SAM Allardyce has launched his "back to basics" initiative in an attempt to replicate last season's survival success.

Bound by the restrictions imposed by the new transfer system, which gives him no scope to reinforce his squad until January 1, the Reebok boss is determined to get the best out of the players already at his disposal.

Hoisting Wanderers off the bottom of the Premiership could be the toughest test yet of his managerial credentials but he knows the picture could change dramatically for the better if he can find a winning formula for the next three games - all against teams in the bottom half of the division.

He has already warned of personnel changes for the Reebok clash with fellow strugglers Sunderland next Monday and is placing specific emphasis in training on the need to tighten up defensively.

Harsh words have been voiced but the manager has also stressed the need for unity, reminding his players of the team spirit and bonding that proved such a special ingredient last season.

With Birmingham away on Saturday week and West Brom at home a week later, Allardyce knows the next three games could make all the difference and needs to ensure the confidence and camaraderie remain high.

That could prove easier said than done following Sunday's defeat at Spurs and results elsewhere over the weekend combining to put Wanderers bottom of the Premiership table for the first time since May 1996. That Roy McFarland-Colin Todd team - woefully ill-equipped for the top flight - spent all but the first five games of the season in the bottom three and more thanhalf the campaign at the foot of the table.

Todd's 97-98 team, although spending more than half the season in the relegation zone, never once hit rock bottom while last season, under Allardyce's guidance, Wanderers only dropped into the bottom three on two brief occasions - one for just a week, the other a fortnight.