LATE Thursday afternoon, I received a phone call from a journalist I trust and admire, Brian Viner of The Independent: "It's about this Sam Allardyce business."

I reacted, as I tend to do with everything in my life, in a wholly honest way: "Brian, I don't know what you're talking about."

He soon told me and I was really surprised at the 'story' being put out by the Press Association.

Mind you, that was as nothing to how I reacted when I found out about the hysterical coverage in this newspaper and then in the 'nationals' the following morning. 'Ban Five Live, listen to Talksport'? Back page 'lead' in The Times'? Was there nothing more significant to write about in the build up to, arguably, the most magical weekend of the football season?

You'll know I was commentating at the Reebok on Monday afternoon. I didn't like what I saw, particularly in the first half. Commentary seemed to go like this: "Pass, pass, free kick. Pass, pass, throw-in."

I considered that Bolton were largely to blame and said that I thought that they were ugly.

My remarks, and what I also said later when I presented '6-0-6' from the venue, were balanced with praise for what Sam Allardyce has achieved with limited resources.

I said that it was a measure of how far the club had come that we now took for granted that Bolton wouldn't be relegated, would finish high up the table and would probably qualify for European football again, perhaps even the Champions League.

It's there in the recording if you don't believe me. But I still felt their football was "ugly".

I make no apology for that. BBC Radio Five Live is a broadcast partner of the Premiership but would never resort to, nor has it ever been asked to resort to, 'Premiership propaganda'.

I am a strongly opinionated commentator and, while sometimes I certainly get it wrong, my opinions are honest and, on the whole, valid. I don't withdraw a word of what I said on Monday but I regret hugely what has been said in response.

Peter Reid once told me that Sam is no great fan of mine. I expressed surprise. I couldn't think then of anything I could have said or done that would have provoked his hostility. The same applies now.

I thought this game of ours is all about opinion. Don't we all disagree constantly about whether or not that free kick or penalty should have been awarded?

Heavens, I thought exchanging views, even the odd argument, is one of the reasons why you and I love the game.

And, let's face it: Sam isn't short of an opinion or two himself.

That's why he is so well liked in the media.

Am I not entitled to an opinion as well? Currently it may not match yours but my view is just as valid as yours or Sam's. Or so it should be. We live in a democracy, free to say what we think.

I had to laugh when I saw Sam quoted as saying: "I wouldn't want to try to encourage the BBC to keep him employed really."

So, you think that's fair comment Sam?

Trying to get me sacked? This from someone who constantly moans about hearing phone-in callers demanding that managers be dismissed - something that I never tolerate when I'm presenting '6-0-6'.

I know that I continue to have the full support of my bosses and colleagues at Five Live. I'll be around for years yet. I'm nowhere near retirement.

As to whether or not I'm welcome at the Reebok anymore, the very suggestion fills me with sorrow. Rest assured, I've no intention whatsoever of staying away and that goes for Five Live as well.

When I next have the opportunity to go to Bolton, I'll turn up as I always do - 'with a blank sheet of paper'. I don't have preconceived notions, I just say what I think about what I'm seeing on the day, and I'll look forward to receiving the normal welcoming hospitality.

l Alan Green will be hosting his 6-0-6 show on BBC Radio Five Live Saturday night, between 7.30 and 8.30pm.