Okocha gets English FA recognition

It is no longer news that Bolton Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce and captain Jay-Jay Okocha have picked up November's Barclaycard manager and player of the month awards.

But what is worth mentioning is that, for the first time in a decade of playing at the top of his game, the former Eintract Franfurt and PSG midfielder is being recognised for his brilliance.

Unlike last season which saw his 30-metre strike against Middlesbrough - which was the goal that sealed premiership safety, the current campaign had seen 'The Trotters' picked up an impressive 10 points from a possible 12 during November, including away wins against Tottenham and Leeds.

And Nigeria captain Okocha was instrumental in helping the club to tenth in the Premiership at the end of the month. Bolton's good form continued in December, with Okocha scoring a brilliant free-kick in the 3-2 Carling Cup win at Liverpool, to register his first goal of the season. But Allardyce's men suffered a blow when the lost 2-1 against high-flying Fulham at Loftus Road last Saturday.

The Barclaycard Awards Panel said: "Sam Allardyce has done a tremendous job so far this season as Bolton continue to impress, to the suprise of all including UK top pundits. "November's performances ensured that the club continue to move in the right direction. "The influence of enigmatic captain Jay Jay Okocha cannot be overstated, he is known for his skill on the ball, but one shouldn't overlook his work rate and passion. Put simply, if Okocha plays well, Bolton play well as his performance and determination has seen him glow - and that automatically etched his name into Bolton folklore.

The Beautiful Bride
The wanderers midfield man Jay-Jay Okocha admits he is uncertain if he will be at The Reebok Stadium after this season, a statement which stunned the staunch fans of the side. Interestingly, Okocha is free to talk to other clubs in January, when he is away on Africa Nations Cup duty with Nigeria, a scenerio Allardyce feel vulnerable about.He hinted he may stay at Bolton, but fuelled doubts about his future when he said: "My door is always open".

A Lifeline
Okocha did give Bolton hope when he said: "I am still a Bolton player and have a contract until the end of the season. "Hopefully I will extend my contract. Without any doubt I am happy at Bolton. "I have settled in quite well and that should be my first priority. "But you never know what is going to happen in football and my door is always open for any other club. "I have heard the rumours and it is nice when people like what you are doing. It shows you are doing a good job."

Importance of Africa nations cup
Despite frowns and anger over the player's decision to represent Nigeria in the 24th Africa cup of nations, he reflects on football back home. Reeling with nostalgic and importance of the game back home, He said: "Football brings the people together and it is like a religion for us. "When we are playing, nothing is going on in the streets. Everyone is in front of the television watching football. "So playing is for the joy we give the people and that keeps us going. "I am glad the Nations Cup is coming up and that I will be part of it."