Big Sam eyes strong finish

22 May 2009 22:32
Sam Allardyce hopes Blackburn can climb a couple of places to boost their finances ahead of the transfer window.[LNB] Rovers have secured their Premier League survival after reaching the 40-point mark but Allardyce will be an interested onlooker on the final day.[LNB]Sunderland, Hull City, Middlesbrough and Allardyce's former club Newcastle are battling it out for two remaining spots in the league.[LNB]Allardyce knows the tension such occasions can bring as he was in charge at Bolton in 2002/3 when they needed to beat Middlesbrough on the final day to be assured of staying up.[LNB]They won 2-1 but he admitted: "It was one of the hardest weeks in my management career. It is very difficult to cope with.[LNB]"You have to work with your players while all the speculation goes on about the club's situation. It is very difficult to sleep.[LNB]"It is a huge relief to sit back and read about all the other teams down there. I am pleased I am not in that situation."[LNB]Blackburn currently lie 15th ahead of their clash with bottom club West Brom on Sunday but Allardyce realises how significant a win could be.[LNB]He explained: "We will go into the game and try to win it. If we can get a victory and jump up the league it makes a difference financially.[LNB]"You get £750,000 a place, which will help next season's budget in terms of bringing new players in."[LNB]

Source: SKY_Sports