SAM Allardyce claims money was behind Steve Banks' decision to turn down a move to Stockport County.

The Wanderers' boss, who has put the former Blackpool and Gillingham keeper up for sale, said the Londoner would have had to take a "considerable" drop in wages if he had joined the Hatters, who will be playing Second Division Nationwide League football next season.

But he believes Banks should have made the move.

"Personally I think it was foolish to turn them down," the manager said. "He needs first team football if he is to prolong his career as a good goalkeeper, which is what he is. He needed to go to Stockport but the salary reduction is probably the reason he hasn't gone and the reduction he'd have had to take at Stockport compared to Bolton is considerable.

"Like most players, he is not willing to face that prospect yet but they will ultimately have to face it when their contracts run out."

While he looks for another taker for Banks - possibly his former club Blackpool - Allardyce has offered Kevin Poole a new one-year contract at the age of 38 as a reward for his application and attitude after joining Wanderers as a stop-gap measure last October as cover for Banks and Jussi Jaaskelainen.

"He's been magnificent and done a fantastic job," the manager said in praise of the former Aston Villa, Middlesbrough, Leicester and Birmingham number one, who came out of retirement to answer Wanderers' SOS. "He looks like a 28-year-old rather than a 38-year-old and he's comfortable staying in the shadows while always ready to be called on when needed, which is one of the biggest problems you have to face when you're a manager.

"Those who aren't regulars have to cope with the disappointment of not playing every week yet always be mentally and physically top drawer, waiting for the opportunity to arise.

"The player who can't cope with not being a regular ends up being worthless to you as a squad member.

"It's a very dangerous position for a manager."

Meanwhile, Fredi Bobic says he will wait for developments over the summer before deciding on his future. The former German international, who has completed his loan spell at the Reebok, says he has had an offer from Wanderers and his current club, Borussia Dortmund.