BOLTON boss Sam Allardyce has called for an overhaul of the play-offs as Wanderers prepare to meet Lancashire rivals Preston in Monday's final at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

Wanderers finished nine points clear of everyone else in the play-offs when the season finished two weeks ago.

And Allardyce believes the present system needs to change in order to give the team who finishes third an advantage once it comes down to the knockout stages.

"I think there's probably too much happening in the play-offs for people to want to scrap them altogether because it keeps a lot of people's seasons alive," said Allardyce.

"But, if there were to be any changes, then the side who normally finishes third should be given more of an advantage, either by going straight through to the final with the two teams below them playing off for who joins them, or by getting home advantage in a one-off game and going through that way.

"As it has existed for a long time, we accept the current system at the start of the season.

"The season before last, for instance, we were very pleased there were the play-offs because we nicked the last spot.

"So, overall, I can't be too disappointed under those circumstances."

Wanderers are now hoping it's third time lucky after being beaten in the knockout stages for the last two years.

And, though his side were desperately disappointed to lose out to Blackburn in the race for second spot, they are now relishing the prospect of an all Lancashire clash infront of a full house in Cardiff.

"I think we're all looking forward to playing at the Millennium Stadium because we've heard so much about it," said Allardyce.

"People say the atmosphere's a lot, lot better than Wembley because it's a modern stadium.

"But I just hope the pitch is okay because it's been relaid and ours will be the third game in three days over the Bank Holiday weekend.

"I just hope we can draw on our past experiences and play to our capabilities because, if we do that, then I believe we've got a fantastic chance."

Allardyce is likely to have a full squad to pick from, provided Paul Warhurst can prove his fitness over the next 24 hours.

The versatile former Rover has seen his season hit by injury but he was back in training yesterday and Allardyce is hopeful he will be able to call on his vast experience, with a place in the Premiership likely to be worth in excess of £20million to Monday's victors.