By John May BBC Sport Online

Sir Alex Ferguson is recognised as the master of mind games, but Sam Allardyce has proved he is more than the Sorceror's Apprentice.

Bolton's second successive win at Old Trafford came with assistance from a staff that resembles a travelling quack medicine show.

In fact, it is the most highly academically qualified backroom staff in the Premiership.

The Reebok roster features psychologists, nutritionists, dieticians, chiropractors, a head of science and medicine, a Swedish expert of exercise and physiology, statistical analysts, and even a doctor of Chinese medicine.

Bolton haunt Man Utd

It adds up to more degrees and diplomas per head than any other club in the top-flight.

As a rugged, uncompromising epitome of the no-nonsense English defender in his playing days, Allardyce has shown almost a sea-change in his willingness to embrace the sort of innovation that might be considered off-the-wall by some in football.

There is little madness and plenty of method in what Allardyce does.

Where Ferguson prefers to mess with the minds of opponents, Allardyce's concern is solely with his players.

In the Premiership where the smallest edge is vital, Allardyce will embrace just about anything that keeps his players happy and content.

According to Gordon Sharrock, chief football writer of the Bolton Evening News: "Sam's philosophy is that if somebody comes to him with an idea, he will say 'show me what you can do.'

Perhaps there are some things Allardyce should not embrace

"He will never throw an idea out just because it's unusual. Sam doesn't suffer fools gladly and if it proves to be of no use then he won't hang about in getting rid of it. He does speak his mind.

"But if he or his players find it's of some benefit, he is happy to use it."

In some cases the benefit is purely psychological. There may be no physical benefit, but if a player thinks it is helping him out, then Allardyce is happy to run with it.

While most clubs are content enough to employ a physiotherapist, former Blackpool striker Mark Taylor's role as head of science and medicine is a far wider role.

It was Taylor who introduced John Brazier, a qualified doctor of Chinese medicine into the club.

Allardyce's dieticians would frown on Brazier prescribing lizards' gizzards or panda glands to his players but acupuncture, acupressure and other Oriental methods are welcomed.

Mike Forde is one of a growing number of psychologists employed by top football clubs, while Allardyce has a tie-up with Paul Balsom, the exercise and physiology expert for the Swedish national team.

Dieticians and nutritionists are increasingly being used to advise on the fuel to power the efficient engine that is the Premiership player's body, a far cry from Allardyce's playing days when players wolfed down rare steaks for energy.

Allardyce also employs match analysts who use information technology to break down every possibly statistic of a game.

The number crunchers have not made Allardyce a slave to statistics, but again he takes what he wants and needs from the welter of information.

Bolton's second successive win at Old Trafford provided Allardyce with an addition to his video collection.

The tub-thumping tape of last season's win numbered among his favourite films, even though he only saw it for the first time on the team bus to Old Trafford.

The length of Bolton's journey meant it had to be edited down to 30 minutes.

So he and his players only saw the best bits.