Sam Allardyce “thoroughly enjoyed” his time at Wanderers and singled out Jay Jay Okocha as the standout player from his tenure.

Allardyce oversaw the most successful period in the Whites’ recent history, bringing in the likes of Ivan Campo and Youri Djorkaeff among others.

Big Sam loved working with “a fantastic array of players” during his time at the club but says none had more of an impact than Okocha.

The Nigerian quickly became a popular figure at the UniBol, dazzling supporters with his flair and tricky feet.

He also played an important role in the dressing room as captain and is widely recognised as one of the greatest African players to ever grace English football.

Allardyce was speaking to Sky Sports as the Premier League celebrates 30 years since its introduction.

“The global phenomenon that the Premier League became meant that most players across the world wanted to play in it, he said.

“I was fortunate enough to go and pick out some of the players who were absolutely outstanding for Bolton in that time.

“I think probably the one who stood out the most for everybody was Jay Jay Okocha because of his ability and skill, and the entertainment that he actually brought to the Premier League, not just for Bolton fans of course.

“He was, for me, a fantastic captain. (We had) a fantastic array of players over the years and like I said before, I thoroughly enjoyed working there.”

Okocha and Allardyce returned to the UniBol last season for Gethin Jones’ MND appeal and recreated their famous goal celebration from 2003.

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