SAM Allardyce is hoping to reward the fans who have followed Wanderers on their European adventure by going all the way in the UEFA Cup.

The Whites have exceeded all expectations by reaching the last 32 in their debut season in Europe and Big Sam, who feared it might be a serious distraction, is enjoying every minute of it.

And, although they face a tough test against the experienced French side, Marseille, when the competition resumes next month, he is determined to give it his best shot.

"Marseille is going to be a big test, they are a really good team," Allardyce said. "I've been there several times watching players and it is a big city, a big club and it's a great atmosphere and we are really looking forward to it.

"For us to get to the final in our first year is a big ask, but we will try our best."

Wanderers travelling fans are likely to outnumber their French counterparts by almost ten to one when they go head to head for a place in the last 16.

Marseille, the ninth best supported team in Europe, expect to have a following of around 350 at the Reebok for the first leg of the Round of 32 tie on Wednesday, February 15, while estimates suggest Wanderers could have in excess of 3,000 backing them in the return leg in the Velodrome eight days later.

A Marseille delegation, including sporting co-ordinator, Louis Vassalucci, and director of security and organisation, Guy Cazadamont, visited the Reebok last week to check out facilities and gave Wanderers an idea of the numbers of away fans they will need to cater for.

Early indications from Wanderers claim interest in the Marseille game has outnumbered that for the trip to Portugal in November for the group game against Guimaraes, when more than 3,000 Bolton fans saw the Whites come from behind to snatch a crucial point from a 1-1 draw.

Allardyce, who has repeatedly voiced his gratitude for the level of support, says the UEFA Cup run has been an enjoyable bonus, rather than the strain he feared it would be when Wanderers qualified.

"It's been the best part of the season for me, a major tonic for everybody at the club," he said.

"We were all concerned about the extra games and the possibility of fatigue and injuries that might happen, but right from the start we were going to enjoy it.

"We've had some hair raising moments, even in the qualifying round with Plovdiv, going 1-0 down at home before coming back to win 2-1, and the same in the second leg. But from there on we've grown and really enjoyed it, and it's not had too much of an effect on the Premiership. We've continued to do well in the league and stayed around the top six.

"The whole experience of playing in different countries, pitting your wits against different ways of playing has been fantastic for us."