Allardyce was offered the chance to join Tranmere Rovers .
Allardyce was instead joined Preston North End after being persuaded by manager John McGrath , who promised to make Allardyce the backbone of his team .
Allardyce was offered the chance to join Tranmere Rovers , but instead joined Preston North End after being persuaded by manager John McGrath , who promised to make Allardyce the backbone of his team .