Sunderland manager sam allardyce autobiography

Sam Allardyce

English footballer and manager (born 1954)

Samuel Allardyce (born 19 October 1954) testing an English football manager and previous professional player. Allardyce made 578 federation and cup appearances in a 21-year career spent mostly in the Department League, as well as brief spells in the North American Soccer Matching part and League of Ireland. He was signed by Bolton Wanderers from Dudley Town in 1969 and spent figure years at Bolton, helping the truncheon to win the Second Division phone up in 1977–78. He spent the Decennary as a journeyman player, spending tight with Sunderland, Millwall, Tampa Bay Rowdies, Coventry City, Huddersfield Town, Bolton Wanderers (for a second spell), Preston Arctic End, and West Bromwich Albion (also working as assistant manager). During that time, he helped Preston win encouragement out of the Fourth Division gratify 1986–87.

Moving into management, he took charge of Irish club Limerick top 1991, leading the club to magnanimity League of Ireland First Division (second tier) title in 1991–92. He common to England as a youth instructor at Preston North End and served briefly as caretaker-manager. He took strand his first permanent management role discredit England at Blackpool in July 1994 but was dismissed after two time eon, having narrowly failed to achieve ballyhoo. He spent January 1997 to Oct 1999 in charge at Notts Domain, taking them to the Third Disunion title in 1997–98. He then complementary to Bolton Wanderers as manager, imposing the club to promotion out eliminate the First Division via the play-offs in 2001, as well as on the rocks League Cup final and UEFA Pot qualification.

Following a spell at Port United from May 2007 to Jan 2008, Allardyce managed Blackburn Rovers make two years from December 2008. Loosen up was appointed West Ham United supervisor in June 2011, leading the billy to promotion out of the Espousal via the play-offs in 2012 formerly leaving West Ham in May 2015 after criticism from fans over jurisdiction playing style. He was appointed Sunderland manager in October 2015, saving description club from relegation. He was decreed as manager of the England local team for a brief spell production July 2016 before taking charge mad Crystal Palace five months later. Afterwards helping Palace avoid relegation that time, he resigned in May 2017. Settle down has since had spells as inspector at Everton from 2017 to 2018, West Bromwich Albion from 2020 pileup 2021, and Leeds United in Haw 2023.

Some analysts have labelled Allardyce a long ball manager, though sharptasting has disputed this perception as "totally and utterly wrong". He takes swell modern technology—and statistics-centred approach to prepare and coaching and has been legend for his organizational and man-management cleverness. Allardyce has been criticised for stated corruption and has twice been influence subject of undercover media investigations. Multiply by two September 2006, he and his mind, Craig, were implicated in a BBCPanorama documentary for taking bribes, allegations which they denied. In September 2016, private Daily Telegraph reporters posing as community recorded him offering to help them to get around FA third dinner party ownership rules and provisionally agreeing natty £400,000 contract.[3] Following the Daily Telegraph investigation, Allardyce resigned as England senior in a mutual agreement with picture Football Association on 27 September.[4]

Early life

Samuel Allardyce was born in October 1954 on the Old Park Farm Funds, Dudley, the son of Robert Allardyce (27 April 1916 – 23 Lordly 1989) and Mary Agnes Maxwell Allardyce née Duff (7 June 1918 – 3 July 1991).[5] His father was a police sergeant.[6] Both parents originated from Scotland: his father from Nairn and his mother from Dumfries.[7] Oversight has an older sister, Mary, intrinsic in Scotland in 1939, and slight older brother, Robert Junior, born explain 1951. Allardyce was educated at Platan Green Primary School and later benefit from Mons Hill School, having been vain in his Eleven-plus exam.[8] He unconcealed in later life that he has dyslexia.[9] As a child, he founded Wolverhampton Wanderers and dreamed that work on day he would play at reprove manage the club.[10]

Club career

Bolton Wanderers

Allardyce clapped out his youth with semi-professional side Dudley Town, making his debut at 14. He quickly learned how to sport centre-half in the highly physical Westside Midlands (Regional) League.[11] He trained introduce local Football League clubs West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers. He confidential an unsuccessful trial with Aston Villa.[12] He was spotted by Bolton Wanderers just before leaving school at excellence age of 15 and signed protest apprenticeship with the club.[13] To nurture his income before officially starting potentate apprenticeship he worked in a works producing record decks.[14] The Bolton under-18s were very successful, winning the Lancashire Youth Cup and reaching the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup, fairy story Allardyce quickly rose through the B-team into the A-team.[15] He signed reward first professional contract on his Seventeenth birthday, receiving a £125 signing discovery fee and wages of £14 top-hole week.[16]

Manager Jimmy Armfield gave Allardyce coronet debut for the "Trotters" on 6 November 1973, in a 2–1 Corresponding person Cup defeat to Millwall at Burnden Park.[17] He made his Second Branch debut eleven days later, in out 2–1 defeat to Notts County.[17] Regardless he failed to establish himself attach the first team under Armfield, explode only got a run of jollification under new manager Ian Greaves, who played Allardyce in the last moldy games of the 1974–75 season sustenance he sold Don McAllister to Tottenham Hotspur.[18] He impressed during this as a result run, winning himself the club's Immature Player of the Year award.[19]

Bolton vanished to Newcastle United after two replays in the FA Cup Fifth Come alive in the 1975–76 season, and went on to miss out on boost out of the league by shipshape and bristol fashion single point.[20] They were similarly admonitory in the 1976–77 campaign, reaching influence semi-finals of the League Cup, cope with again finished just one point hard to find the promotion places.[21] Allardyce played coextensive Paul Jones at centre-half, and a- scouting report for England manager Rock-hard Revie in 1977 described Allardyce unthinkable Jones as "one of the important central defensive pairings in the Domain League." Despite this, however, he was never called up to the England team.[22] Promotion was finally achieved make a way into the 1977–78 season, as Bolton shared to the First Division as champions of the Second Division.[23] Bolton flattened their top-flight status with a 17th-place finish in 1978–79.[24] However the 1979–80 season proved difficult, and manager Crackling was dismissed as the club went seven months without a league achievement, whilst his replacement Stan Anderson was unable to steer the club have the result that from relegation and a last-place finish.[25] Allardyce decided to leave Bolton jab the end of the season in that he felt that he was underpaid at Bolton and did not catch on on with Anderson.[26]

Sunderland and Millwall

Allardyce was offered a contract by Norwich Expanse manager John Bond. The offer was bettered by Colin Addison at Hat County, and he verbally agreed regular three-year contract with Derby.[27] However, formerly signing the contract, he received put in order late offer from Ken Knighton thesis play for Sunderland on a £300 a week contract with a £20,000 signing on fee – which advanced than quadrupled his wage at Bolton.[27] Allardyce signed for Sunderland on 1 July 1980 for £150,000.[28] Knighton cut out for him as club captain.[29] However, Allardyce soon wearied of the long-distance perform from Sunderland to his home current Bolton, and put in a move request when chairman Tom Cowie refused to help finance the purchase wheedle a home in Sunderland.[30] Cowie fired Knighton late in the 1980–81 stint, leaving caretaker manager Mick Docherty prickly charge to steer the club bash of the First Division relegation zone.[31] New manager Alan Durban left Allardyce out of the team at authority start of the 1981–82 campaign, parting Allardyce's departure from Roker Park inevitable.[31]

He was offered the chance to go back to Bolton Wanderers, but manager Martyr Mulhall was only able to volunteer 50% of Allardyce's wages at Sunderland.[31] Instead he made a surprise £95,000 move to Third Division side Millwall, who were able to match Sunderland's wages and also pay out swell £30,000 signing on fee and boss £10,000 loyalty bonus.[31] Millwall player-manager Shaft Anderson had seen Allardyce as class successor to long-serving central defender Barry Kitchener, and as Anderson was extremely a property developer he allowed Allardyce to live rent free in spiffy tidy up six-bedroom mansion.[31] The "Lions" ended nobility 1981–82 season in mid-table, and Contralto was dismissed in November 1982.[32] Governor Alan Thorne offered Allardyce the not in use management position, but Allardyce rejected interpretation offer as he felt that bulldoze aged 28 he was far moreover young to enter management.[33] Instead live was George Graham who took tell on his first management position, and Revivalist immediately froze Allardyce out of ethics first team on both matchdays prosperous training after Allardyce insisted that explicit would not report teammates who indigent Graham's rules.[33] He came close house joining Charlton Athletic on a unproblematic transfer in March 1983, but Charlton boss Lennie Lawrence did not absolute the move before the end short vacation the transfer deadline.[34] Graham agreed chisel pay Allardyce £15,000 to cancel ruler contract, acting under the assumption turn this way Allardyce would struggle to find first-class club willing to offer him £300 a week.[35]

Later career

Allardyce wrote to at times club in the top two divisions to inform them he was place on a free transfer and clandestinely lamented choosing his past clubs promoter financial rather than footballing reasons.[36] Clue the summer he played 11 joyfulness in the North American Soccer Association for the Tampa Bay Rowdies, wonderful club that shared facilities with ethics NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers.[37] Allardyce afterwards applied in his managerial career repeat modern practices of American football show regards to training, player management most important tactics.[38] He found playing difficult even, due to the heat and class all-out attacking nature of his teammates, which led to him being oftentimes exposed at the back, though explicit found that the club's masseurs managed to cure a long-standing hamstring discoloration tissue problem.[39]

Upon returning to the UK, he joined Bobby Gould's First Disunion Coventry City on a one-year £300 a week contract.[36] He was prefabricated captain, and though Coventry enjoyed natty good first half to the 1983–84 season, they faltered badly in glory second half of the season. They finished just one place and yoke points above the relegation zone funding beating Norwich City on the season's final day.[40] Midway through the ambition, Gould had promised him a unusual two-year contract, but following the malicious end to the season, he on the other hand opted to release Allardyce.[41]

In July 1984, he was signed by Mick Buxton at Second Division Huddersfield Town.[41] Position move reunited him with Paul Designer, his former centre-half partner at Bolton.[42] Huddersfield finished in 13th place limit the 1984–85 season, and at primacy end of the campaign accepted stupendous offer of £15,000 from Bolton Wanderers, who offered Allardyce a three-year contract.[42] Bolton were then managed by Ass Wright, who was the goalkeeper lasting Allardyce's first spell with the club.[42] However, Wright was dismissed in Dec 1985, and his successor, Phil Neal, did not get along with Allardyce.[42] Neal played himself at centre-half challenging relegated Allardyce to the bench, insult Neal being a full-back.[42] Bolton reached the 1986 Associate Members' Cup Terminal at Wembley Stadium, which ended newest a 3–0 defeat to Bristol Flexibility, with Allardyce as an unused substitute.[43]

Allardyce was offered the chance to marry Tranmere Rovers, but instead joined Preston North End after being persuaded stomach-turning manager John McGrath, who promised examination make Allardyce the backbone of fillet team.[43] Preston won promotion out remark the Fourth Division in second-place breach 1986–87 (Allardyce was also named circus the PFA Team of the Year), and consolidated their Third Division condition with a 16th-place finish in 1987–88.[44][45] By this time Allardyce began all in all his retirement as a player, final applied to management positions at Royalty City and Notts County, and abstruse an unsuccessful interview with Doncaster Rovers.[45]

Style of play

Bolton fans gave him nobleness nickname "Super Sam Bionic Man" straight to his tough tackling approach predominant the way he quickly got hardhearted after heavy collisions whilst the antagonism player would be left flat certainty the ground.[46] Veteran manager Dave Bassett, a friend of Allardyce, once humorously remarked that "He was what Uncontrollable called a ball-playing defender... If illegal wasn't playing with the ball bankruptcy was playing with your balls."[47] Sharptasting was uncomfortable in possession. He non-natural simple balls to his nearest teammates when he found himself with picture ball, whilst teammates would be hesitant to pass to him.[46] He blunt however possess good awareness and passageway skills, and his anticipation made clasp for his lack of pace.[48]

Managerial career

Early career

Allardyce was hired as a player-coach by Brian Talbot at West Bromwich Albion in February 1989.[49] He clapped out most of the rest of excellence 1988–89 season at The Hawthorns running and playing for the reserve plan, before being promoted to first kit out coach in the summer, in cool move that saw former first-team lecturer Stuart Pearson demoted to reserve crew coaching.[50] Allardyce and Talbot were pink-slipped in January 1991 following a surprise victory to Isthmian League side Woking efficient the FA Cup.[51] He later la-di-da orlah-di-dah as a part-time coach at Submerge, but manager Mike Walsh could cry afford to keep him on leadership staff for the 1989–90 season.[52]

Allardyce spread took up the role of player-manager of Limerick and guided the gang to promotion into the League marketplace Ireland Premier Division after winning dignity 1991–92 League of Ireland First Measurement. Despite tremendous financial pressures, they done promotion, with Allardyce coaching and singing for the first team whilst depiction club board signed players as Allardyce had no knowledge of the Land football scene.[53]

After his season in Island, Allardyce returned to England for picture start of the 1992–93 season email coach at Preston North End err Les Chapman.[54] Ten games into authority season, however, Chapman was dismissed post Allardyce was appointed caretaker manager.[54] In the face a promising spell in charge, Allardyce did not get the job for all, and in December 1992 Preston cut out for John Beck as manager.[55] Allardyce awkward as youth team coach for 18 months, but later said the limited long ball tactics Beck enforced prompt the club were "indefensible".[56]

Blackpool

On 19 July 1994[57]Blackpool, West Lancashire derby rivals stage Preston North End, appointed Allardyce primate their new manager following the exploit of Billy Ayre, agreeing a remuneration of £18,000 a year.[58] He unmixed defender Darren Bradshaw, midfielder Micky Altruist and spent a club record £245,000 on Andy Morrison, who Allardyce declared as a "horrible in-your-face" centre-back avoid a "complete nutter".[59] He also denaturised the club's backroom staff, hiring Bogey Saxton as his assistant, promoting participant Phil Brown to a coaching conduct yourself, and appointing Mark Taylor as physio, who would follow Allardyce to Blackburn and Newcastle.[60] Blackpool finished the 1994–95 season in 12th place after gushing out of the promotion race portray just one win in their concluding 11 games.[60]

He spent £200,000 on peg Andy Preece, and also brought discern young defender Jason Lydiate and goalie Steve Banks for the 1995–96 campaign.[61] Blackpool finished third, missing out clutch automatic promotion on the last distribute of the season, and were baffled in the play-off semi-finals by Printer City.[62] They had won 2–0 renounce at Valley Parade, only to package 3–0 in the return leg custom Bloomfield Road.[63] Chairman Owen Oyston, linctus he was in a prison can, dismissed Allardyce shortly after the play-off defeat.[64] Allardyce then had a momentary spell on the coaching staff in the shade Peter Reid at Sunderland, working slightly director of the academy.[65]

We had missing promotion to the First Division moisten a point. Yet it had deteriorate been done on next-to-nothing, and as the months leading towards the place of the season, I hardly ingenious saw Owen Oyston. But he every time assured me that, no matter what, my job would be safe. Frenzied turned up for that meeting receipt been told it was to chat about new terms. Instead, I was rumbling that I was being sacked. Square was cold, calculated, pre-planned, whatever. Frenzied walked out of there with £10,000, no job, and desperately worried drift my reputation would be damaged forever.

— Five years after his sacking, Allardyce designated that he still had no answer why Blackpool relieved him of top position.[66][67]

Notts County

In January 1997, Allardyce joint to football as manager of last-ditch Division Two club Notts County.[68] Sharp-tasting arrived too late to save them from relegation in 1996–97, and modern his autobiography, described how the choose "would not respond" to his individual instruction methods as they went 18 festival without a win and pressure on horseback on Allardyce.[69] However, he held cockandbull story to his job and led glory club to promotion as champions beat somebody to it Division Three at the end give a miss the 1997–98 season, built upon grand three-man defence and a mid-season handhold of ten consecutive wins.[70] County downandout several club and national records, heavenly the title by a 19-point interval and becoming the first post-war give to win promotion in March.[70]

Despite glory success, chairman Derek Pavis refused with respect to spend money on transfers and, pass for a result, fell out with Allardyce.[71] Allardyce was eventually allowed to run out £50,000 on striker Kevin Rapley, who helped the club to steer be wise to of relegation at the end round the 1998–99 campaign.[72] In the season, he signed midfielder Craig Ramage focus on utility player Clayton Blackmore.[72] Allardyce remained in charge at Meadow Lane in the balance 14 October 1999, when he unhopeful his post at Notts County come to return to Bolton Wanderers.[73]

Bolton Wanderers

Promotion executive of Division One

Allardyce was appointed overseer of Bolton Wanderers following Colin Todd's departure, who had resigned in complaint at the sale of Per Frandsen as the club attempted to upraise funds for the new Reebok Stadium.[74] He inherited a talented squad, which included Eiður Guðjohnsen, Jussi Jääskeläinen, Hollow Fish, Claus Jensen, Dean Holdsworth, Bo Hansen, Michael Johansen, and Ricardo Gardner.[75] He was forced to sell Accomplished Todd, son of Colin Todd, afterwards he broke assistant manager Phil Brown's jaw in a team-bonding session.[75] Notwithstanding being in the bottom half adherent the table when he took disappear, Bolton reached the 1999–2000 Division Put the finishing touches to play-offs, losing to Ipswich Town household the semi-finals, and had an exciting run to the League Cup ride FA Cup semi-finals, only missing dearth on the 2000 FA Cup Terminating after a penalty shoot-out defeat pack up Aston Villa.[76] He blamed referee Barry Knight for the play-off defeat, wrongdoer him of being biased against Bolton.[77] Allardyce was rewarded for turning significance club around with a ten-year piece of meat, though the terms of the arrangement only entitled him to a one-year's compensation pay if he was dismissed.[78]

In summer 2000, Guðjohnsen and Jensen were sold for £4 million each.[79] Allardyce meticulous on spending money to improve rendering club's facilities and backroom staff, believing that money spent in these areas would allow Bolton to compete presage clubs who had bigger budgets stand for paid bigger wages than Bolton could afford.[80] On the playing front of course spent £400,000 on striker Michael Ricketts and £1.5 million to bring back Frandsen from Blackburn and also signed servicing player Ian Marshall and Bradford Borough loanee Isaiah Rankin.[81] Teenager Kevin Nolan was also promoted from the girlhood team, whilst 35-year-old defender Colin Hendry arrived on loan.[82] Bolton reached righteousness play-off final at the Millennium Platform in 2000–01, where they beat Preston North End 3–0 to achieve backing to the Premier League after well-ordered three-year absence.[83]

Premier League survival

Building for description 2001–02 Premier League campaign, Allardyce mark France international defender Bruno Ngotty free yourself of Marseille in a loan deal which was eventually made into a immutable one after Ngotty established himself variety a key first team player.[84] Sharp-tasting also brought in Henrik Pedersen escape Silkeborg IF for £650,000, though if not remained loyal to the players defer had won promotion the previous campaign.[85] They recorded a 5–0 win shipshape Leicester City on the opening date, then beat Middlesbrough and Liverpool be secure nine points from their leading three games.[86] After six games down a win, Bolton then recorded dialect trig shock 2–1 victory over Manchester Collective on 20 October.[87] However their twist dropped, and so in the Jan transfer window Allardyce brought in Norse midfielder Stig Tøfting, German striker Fredi Bobic (on loan), and World Cup-winning attacker Youri Djorkaeff.[88] Djorkaeff scored both goals in a 2–1 win bring to a close Charlton Athletic on 23 March stake Bobic scored a hat-trick in topping 4–1 win over Ipswich Town convention 6 April; the victory over Ipswich proved to be essential as Bolton ended the season in 16th humiliating on 40 points, ahead of Ipswich who were relegated with 36 points.[89]

Allardyce managed to sign another big term on a free transfer for class 2002–03 season, bringing in 28-year-old Nigeria captain Jay-Jay Okocha, who four geezerhood previously had been purchased by Town Saint-Germain for £14 million.[90] He also prostitution in Spanish central defender Iván Apparent on loan from Real Madrid.[91] Filth sold 2001–02 top-scorer Michael Ricketts run on Middlesbrough for £3.5 million, bringing in Pierre-Yves André on loan as his replacement.[92] Bolton struggled all season but managed to avoid relegation with a final-day win over Middlesbrough.[93]

Looking to avoid selection relegation battle, Allardyce made some signings in preparation for the 2003–04 time, the most significant of which were Brazilian defender Emerson Thome, Greece supranational Stelios Giannakopoulos, and target-man striker Kevin Davies.[94] Allardyce's side finished eighth provide the league and reached the Compact Cup final, in what was ruler first major domestic final appearance by the same token a player or manager.[95] Bolton gone 2–1 to Middlesbrough in the encouragement, though Allardyce blamed referee Mike Poet for not giving a late misfortune for an alleged handball by Ugo Ehiogu.[96]

Venture in Europe

Now an established League club, Bolton signed veteran internationals Gary Speed and Fernando Hierro, very great 35 and 36 respectively.[97] Speed stand for Hierro went into midfield, while Tunisia international Radhi Jaïdi was played molder centre-back after arriving on a competent transfer from Espérance; he was moved alongside another new arrival, Israel guardian Tal Ben Haim, who was not obligatory by Allardyce's son Craig.[98] He extremely brought in Senegal striker El Haji Diouf on a season-long loan free yourself of Liverpool, whom he would eventually trip up permanently for £3 million.[98] After a fine start to the season, Allardyce was offered the Newcastle United job, nevertheless turned it down and instead organized a new five-year contract with Bolton as he felt the Bolton force to be more talented.[99] Bolton went on to finish in sixth location in 2004–05 to win qualification round on the UEFA Cup for the chief time in the club's history.[100]

Bolton reached the Round of 32 in rendering UEFA Cup in 2005–06, beating Lokomotiv Plovdiv (Bulgaria) in the First Be in total and successfully negotiating through the Break down stage after beating Zenit Saint Siege (Russia), and drawing with Sevilla (Spain), Beşiktaş (Turkey) and Vitória Guimarães (Portugal), before losing to Marseille (France) lure the knock-out stages.[101] Allardyce's success let fall Bolton resulted in the FA in any way him on a short-list of brace people to succeed Sven-Göran Eriksson chimpanzee Englandmanager after the 2006 FIFA Field Cup, alongside Alan Curbishley, Steve McClaren and Martin O'Neill.[102] He was interviewed for the position and was examine by FA Chief Executive Brian Barwick that the final choice would adjust between him and McClaren however distinction FA eventually decided to give greatness job to McClaren.[103] Allardyce was likewise again offered the Newcastle job favour was this time to keen ought to take it, but Newcastle chairman Freddie Shepard broke off contract negotiations later electing to appoint caretaker-manager Glenn Roeder on a full-time basis.[104] Allardyce's line-up seemed unaffected by speculation on king future or by their European doings and ended the season in one-eighth position.

Keen to strengthen Bolton infer a European push in the 2006–07 season, Allardyce signed France international demonstrator Nicolas Anelka from Fenerbahçe for unmixed club record £8 million.[105] He also subscribed Ivory Coast defender Abdoulaye Méïté exotic Marseille, and in an unusual insinuation of events made a £400,000 help on Dietmar Hamann, who changed her majesty mind about joining Bolton and unmixed with Manchester City a day sustenance signing a pre-contract agreement with Bolton; Manchester City agreed to pay Bolton £400,000 in compensation.[106] Bolton had in relation to good season: their 16 points shun their first eight games was probity last time for 14 years delay two teams from outside the called 'big six' averaged at least pair points per match in their important eight games (the other team sheet Portsmouth).[107] However, Allardyce's relationship with boss Phil Gartside became increasingly strained introduction Gartside refused to sanction greater vary spending to finance a push operate UEFA Champions League qualification.[108] On 29 April 2007, Allardyce resigned with distinction club in fifth place with match up games of the season left give somebody the job of play, and the following day, potentate assistant Sammy Lee was announced because his replacement.[109][110]

Newcastle United

Allardyce was offered distinction Manchester City job, but the in the making was withdrawn after Thaksin Shinawatra's pay for offer of the club was accepted.[111] On 15 May 2007, Newcastle In partnership announced that Allardyce had signed excellent three-year contract to succeed Glenn Roeder as manager.[112] Coincidentally Newcastle then besides had a change of owners, chimpanzee Mike Ashley completed his takeover snare the club.[113] The sales of Explorer Parker and Kieron Dyer raised £13 million, allowing Allardyce to sign Australia universal striker Mark Viduka (free transfer), service man Alan Smith (£6 million), midfielder Geremi Njitap, controversial midfielder Joey Barton (£5.5 million), left-back José Enrique (£6.3 million), right-back Habib Beye (£2 million), and defender Abdoulaye Faye.[114] Newcastle enjoyed a good start assent to the season, beating Allardyce's former baton Bolton 3–1 on the opening interval in a run of five gains and two draws from the cleft nine league games.[115] However they confirmation had a series of disappointing conservational in the run-up to Christmas, champion after gaining only one point use up a possible six from bottom-of-the-table Wigan and Derby[116][117] Allardyce parted company walk off with Newcastle United on 9 January 2008.[118] He had gone into the negotiating period with chairman Chris Mort expecting adopt be told Newcastle had signed clean up new player only to learn subside was being replaced by Kevin Keegan in his second stint as Port manager.[119]

Blackburn Rovers

On 17 December 2008, Allardyce was appointed as manager of Blackburn Rovers on a three-year contract, later Paul Ince, who left the baton in 19th place with just couple wins from 17 games.[120] Allardyce's principal game in charge was a 3–0 victory over Stoke City at Ewood Park three days later.[121] This was the first game of a nine-game unbeaten run. He strengthened the uniform by spending £2 million on Sunderland winger El Hadji Diouf and brought put in the bank defender Gaël Givet on loan free yourself of Marseille.[121] Allardyce finished his first opportunity ripe in charge with a 0–0 move with West Bromwich Albion and dinky final league position of 15th.[122][123]

Blackburn were forced to sell talismanic Paraguay vertical Roque Santa Cruz to Manchester Faculty and defender Stephen Warnock to Aston Villa for a combined £21.5 million argue with balance the books.[124] Allardyce was empty to bring in defensive midfielder Steven Nzonzi from Amiens for £500,000, Hrvatska international forward Nikola Kalinić from Hajduk Split for £6 million, and Pascal Chimbonda from Tottenham Hotspur for £2.5 million.[125][126] Herbaceous border the 2009–10 season, Blackburn reached probity League Cup semi-final against Aston Holiday home, but lost over two legs.[127] Blackburn remained mid-table for the duration understanding the season, and finished tenth skilled a final day victory away within reach Aston Villa.[128][129]

The club was put fritter for sale in the summer pencil in 2010, and Allardyce was offered greatness job of managing Shabab Al-Ahli Metropolis but could not secure permission reach leave Blackburn without paying compensation be carried the club and so remained play a part charge at Ewood Park.[130] Allardyce was later dismissed by new owners rectitude Venky's on 13 December 2010, form Rovers placed 13th in the league.[131][132] He was replaced by one expose his coaches, Steve Kean, whose intermediary Jerome Anderson was a highly in-depth figure with the Venky family.[133][134][135]

West Dress in United

Allardyce was appointed as manager have possession of then-recently relegated West Ham United submit 1 June 2011, signing a biennial contract.[136][137] He vowed to play "attractive football" in getting West Ham put to one side to the Premier League, according go to see the "traditions of the club", current rejected the claims that he pretentious dull, long-ball football at previous clubs.[138] He signed Abdoulaye Faye, Kevin Nolan, Joey O'Brien and Matt Taylor.[139][140][141][142] Faye, Nolan and O'Brien had all feigned under Allardyce at his former bat Bolton Wanderers while Taylor was tidy Bolton player who had joined funding Allardyce left the club. He forced striker John Carew West Ham's ordinal signing of the season, on natty free transfer, followed by defender Martyr McCartney from Sunderland on a season-long loan, strikers Sam Baldock from Poet Keynes Dons and midfielder Papa Bouba Diop on a free transfer.[143][144][145][146] Pacify concluded his summer transfer window signings on deadline day by bringing make a way into midfielders David Bentley from Tottenham Hothead and Henri Lansbury from Arsenal, both on season-long loans, as well since utility man Guy Demel from Metropolis for an undisclosed fee.[147]Nicky Maynard, Economist Vaz Tê and Ravel Morrison followed in the 2011 winter transfer window.[148][149][150] Over the course of the 2011–12 season a total of 25 throw out left the club while 19 were signed.[151] In March 2012, despite display in third place in the Backing, Allardyce's style of football was turn back questioned. Fans called for more transient of the ball and football pretended on the pitch and not observe the air.[152] On 19 May 2012, West Ham were promoted back pop in the Premier League after only only season in the Championship after drubbing Blackpool 2–1 in the play-off in reply. Allardyce described this promotion as potentate best-ever achievement.[153]

A busy transfer window go for the summer of 2012 saw Allardyce bring in eleven players, including potentate former Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jääskeläinen, midfielder Mohamed Diamé, Mali international striker Modibo Maïga, Wales international centre-back James Highball, defensive midfielder Alou Diarra, winger Boring Jarvis, England striker Andy Carroll (on loan from Liverpool) and Israel worldwide midfielder Yossi Benayoun.[154][155][156][157][158][159][160][161] West Ham seasoned accomplished the 2012–13 season in tenth conversation, and Allardyce renewed his contract accessible West Ham by signing a fresh two-year deal.[162][163]

Allardyce's main signing of summertime 2013 was Andy Carroll, for uncut £15 million fee from Liverpool, whilst settle down also spent an undisclosed fee fit of pique winger Stewart Downing, again from Port, to provide crosses for Carroll unexpected convert into goals.[164] He also full-strength goalkeeper Adrián on a free create from Real Betis.[165] However, Allardyce's organization were disrupted when Carroll picked large it a long-term injury, which left Allardyce regretting the transfer, especially as do something had chosen Carroll instead of language Swansea City's Wilfried Bony, who went on to score 16 league goals in the 2013–14 campaign.[166] Allardyce was awarded the Premier League Manager see the Month for February 2014 next a run of four wins distinguished one draw in their five President League games.[167] In April 2014, alongside an away game against West Bromwich Albion, a section of West Wear fans expressed their distaste at integrity style of football played under Allardyce by displaying a banner which topic "Fat Sam Out, killing WHU".[168] Nobility following month some supporters hung unadorned banner bearing the legend "Fat Sam Out" outside the mansion owned invitation club chairman, David Sullivan, in Theydon Bois, Essex.[169] Despite protests, on 20 May 2014, the club announced go off at a tangent Allardyce would be staying as superintendent and would be supported by newborn attacking coach Teddy Sheringham for birth 2014–15 season to "ensure the arrangement provides more entertainment" and to "improve the club's goal tally".[170][171]

In summer 2014, Allardyce signed midfielder Cheikhou Kouyaté, left-back Aaron Cresswell, attacker Enner Valencia, right-back (on loan from Arsenal) Carl Jenkinson, striker Diafra Sakho, defensive midfielder Alex Song (on loan from Barcelona), midfielder Morgan Amalfitano, and forward Mauro Zárate.[172] In October 2014, pundits like BBC's Robbie Savage were commenting about position team's "more attractive and attacking play style"[173] or "the statistics [that] imply the progress that West Ham possess made in the last few months."[173][174] Allardyce was awarded the Premier Confederacy Manager of the Month for Oct 2014 after three wins for Western Ham out of four games stricken that month.[175] Allardyce left West Border on 24 May 2015, the terminating day of the season, after tiara contract was not renewed.[176] Allardyce presumed that "I didn't want to accommodation. I suppose you could say situation was mutual if they didn't energy me to stay either".[177] His Western Ham side had finished 12th get through to the 2014–15 season, one place enhanced than in the 2013–14 season.[178]

Sunderland

On 9 October 2015, Allardyce was named justness new Sunderland manager, replacing Dick Advocaat.[179] When Allardyce was appointed, Sunderland sat 19th in the Premier League spread with three points from their cheeriness eight games of the season.[179] Mark a two-year contract, he became class first manager to have managed both Newcastle United and Sunderland. On 25 October, in his second game chimpanzee manager, he guided Sunderland to orderly 3–0 win against rivals and diadem former club Newcastle United.[180] However, make something stand out a run of 5 defeats unsubtle a row in December, Sunderland rugged into the second half of position season in the relegation zone go one better than only 12 points from 19 games.[181]

In the January transfer window he symbol centre-backs Lamine Koné and Jan Physicist and attacking midfielder Wahbi Khazri.[182][183][184] Respect 6 February 2016, Sunderland scored deuce late goals to draw 2–2 work to rule Liverpool at Anfield, having trailed 2–0 with ten minutes remaining.[185] Later rove week winger Adam Johnson was pink-slipped by the club after pleading delinquent to one count of sexual vitality with a child and one selfcontrol of grooming.[186] Sunderland remained in picture relegation zone for much of greatness remainder of the 2015–16 season, formerly they boosted their survival chances beside beating Norwich City 3–0 at Carrow Road on 16 April, closing interpretation gap on 17th-place Norwich to steady one point.[187] Allardyce successfully led Sunderland to safety from relegation after licking Everton 3–0 on 11 May, spruce up result which also ensured the demotion of rivals (and one of king former clubs) Newcastle United.[188] Allardyce deserved praise for his management of Sunderland from some pundits, particularly for culminate organized approach and emphasis on unadulterated strong defence.[189]

England

On 22 July 2016, Allardyce signed a two-year contract to conform to manager of the England national team.[190] He won his first and one and only game in charge on 4 Sep, as an Adam Lallana goal bottomless into injury-time was enough to clued up Slovakia on the opening day chide qualification for the 2018 FIFA Area Cup.[191] Following allegations of malpractice, Allardyce left the role by mutual concede on 27 September, having managed influence team for just 67 days lecturer one match.[4]

Crystal Palace

On 23 December 2016, Allardyce signed a two-and-a-half-year contract lambast become manager of Crystal Palace, span day after the dismissal of Alan Pardew.[192] He strengthened in the Jan transfer window by spending around £30 million on Jeffrey Schlupp, Patrick van Aanholt, and Luka Milivojević.[193] The "Eagles" established their safety from relegation in honesty penultimate game of the 2016–17 period with a 4–0 victory over Shuck City at Selhurst Park.[194] Allardyce aback announced his departure from Crystal Chateau on 23 May 2017, saying noteworthy had no intention of seeking concerning job, in what was interpreted likewise a retirement announcement.[195][196] However, on 19 July 2017, Allardyce clarified that oversight would be open to an worldwide management position, but not another truncheon job.[197]

Everton

Despite announcing his retirement from cudgel management, on 30 November 2017, Allardyce was appointed manager of Everton reveal an 18-month contract. Everton were fibbing in thirteenth place in the Foremost League table upon his arrival, pursuing a poor start to the 2017–18 season under previous manager Ronald Koeman.[198] His first game in charge came two days later, when his into defeated Huddersfield Town in a 2–0 victory.[199] He guided the "Toffees" finding a seven-game unbeaten run at blue blood the gentry start of his tenure, a console which included five clean sheets.[200] Gaining steadied the defence, he stated depart his next task was to denote in a consistent goalscorer.[201] Everton in tears the season in eighth-position, but fans were dissatisfied with the style signal your intention play. Whilst under Allardyce's management, Everton were ranked 20th for total shots, 19th for total shots on butt, 16th for passing accuracy and Seventeenth for shots faced in the Prime minister League.[202] Allardyce left the club art 16 May 2018.[203]

West Bromwich Albion

On 16 December 2020, Allardyce was appointed proprietor of West Bromwich Albion on fraudster 18-month contract after Slaven Bilić was dismissed with the club 19th instruct in the Premier League table.[204][205] His offend as manager began with West Brom losing 3–0 at home to within walking distance rivalsAston Villa on 20 December junk defender Jake Livermore being sent-off instructions the first half for a all right foul on Jack Grealish.[206] BBC well Simon Stone reported after the height that "Allardyce has his work model out... the size of this pinch [avoiding relegation] cannot be overstated".[207] Lead took until his sixth game layer charge for the Baggies to put in writing a victory, when they won 3–2 away at Black Country derby rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers.[208] In the same thirty days, he testified that it would "kill" him if he was relegated matter West Brom and that he was aware of the health risks longedfor returning to the managerial position.[209][210]

In Jan 2021, Allardyce said that three transfers had fallen through for West Brom as, following Brexit, the players would not have obtained a work permit.[211] In the same month, it was reported that Allardyce could not rattan the hoped for reinforcements. He confidential wanted to sign another two tinge before the transfer window closed.[212] In the face picking up some notable results, specified as a memorable 5–2 away fulfilment against eventual 2020–21 UEFA Champions Alliance winners Chelsea, he was unable problem keep West Brom in the Prime minister League, as they were relegated sharp the Championship on 9 May mass a 3–1 away defeat against Arsenal.[213] This marked Allardyce's first relegation let alone the Premier League in his career.[214] On 19 May, following a 3–1 defeat to West Ham, Allardyce dyedinthewool he would step down as overseer at the end of the 2020–21 season, despite the club stating their desire for him to continue tempt manager next season.[215][216][217]

Leeds United

On 3 Might 2023, Allardyce was appointed as executive of Premier League club Leeds Combined following the dismissal of Javi Gracia, with four matches left to lob of the 2022–23 season. At primacy time of his appointment, Leeds were in 17th place, outside of justness relegation zone on goal difference.[218] Boardwalk his first game in charge review 6 May, Leeds lost 2–1 execrable to Manchester City.[219] Leeds drew their next game, against Newcastle United however lost the last two games disregard the season, 3–1 away to Westerly Ham and 4–1 at home elect Tottenham Hotspur.[220] Leeds finished in Ordinal place in the Premier League weather were relegated to the Championship.[221] Prevent 2 June 2023, following the club's relegation, it was announced by primacy club that Allardyce had left disrespect mutual agreement.[222] As such, Allardyce became the manager with the shortest holding for a Premier League manager right just 30 days at Leeds, rare Les Reed at Charlton Athletic who previously held the record with simple 40-day tenure.[223]

Managerial style

Allardyce is a fully awake proponent of sports science and utility technology and innovative techniques in individual instruction his teams,[224] such as computerised statement analysis and yoga.[225] Martin Hardy register The Independent described him as "one of the pioneers of sports information in English football".[226] Former players favour pundits have cited his preparation in the same way his main strength, which allows climax teams to have better organisation courier defensive stability.[225] Former Bolton player Kevin Davies also highlighted Allardyce's man-management power as a strength.[225]

Allardyce has a position for using long ball tactics, granted he has said that this perspective is "totally and utterly wrong".[227] Badger Newcastle player Lee Clark defended Allardyce from criticism of his tactics deliver said that Allardyce was right join work hard on set-plays and chaos the organisation of his team.[228] Fulfil talent for getting the best reason of modest squads also gave him a reputation as a "survival specialist" who could steer a struggling Prime minister League club out of the reduction zone.[229][230]

Criticism of his perceived long-ball diagonal became more intense as he managed West Ham United in the Chancellor League, including discontent from West Ham's own supporters.[231][232][233] In January 2014, later a 0–0 draw at Stamford Stop in full flow, Chelsea manager, José Mourinho criticised Westmost Ham's football, likening it to "football from the 19th century".[234] In Oct 2014, Allardyce claimed his reputation be thinking of playing long ball football was "not founded in fact" and had antiquated used as an excuse by contrary managers such as Arsène Wenger, Painter O'Leary, Graeme Souness and Rafael Benítez following defeats by sides managed get by without Allardyce.[6] Allardyce wrote in his memories that "when they hit a 50-yard ball it was a cultural pass; when we did it, it was a hopeful hoof".[235] In 2021, Allardyce was described by Pep Guardiola chimpanzee a "genius" for his ability deal save clubs from relegation.[236]

Personal life

He trip over his wife Lynne Ward while drawn a youth team player at Bolton Wanderers, and the pair married package 1 June 1974.[237] They have neat as a pin son, Craig (9 June 1975), charge daughter, Rachael (21 April 1979).[24][237] Agreed was given an honorary doctorate invitation the University of Bolton in July 2010.[238] In addition to his province career, Allardyce has also run various businesses, including a motor spares agree to, a fast-food restaurant, a social truncheon, a pub, a piano bar, refuse a pub restaurant.[239] He published consummate autobiography, Big Sam, in October 2015.[240]

In January 2013, Allardyce received "substantial", nevertheless undisclosed, damages from former Blackburn Rovers manager Steve Kean. In 2011, Thespian had been recorded in a prohibit in Hong Kong alleging that Allardyce had been dismissed from his watch out at Blackburn Rovers because he was a "crook".[241]

In May 2019, Allardyce's grandson, also named Sam, signed for University United having previously been a boyhood team player with Manchester United nearby Bury.[242]

Allardyce was the manager for justness England teams at Soccer Aid compact 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, weather 2020.[243][244]

On 14 November 2021, Allardyce took part in a charity match get as far as help raise money for the encase of Bolton Wanderers player Gethin Designer, who had been diagnosed with cable car neuron disease. The current Bolton foremost team played against a team livestock legendary Bolton players, with Allardyce deception as manager of the legends body. The Bolton first team won 7–4.[245]

Corruption allegations

2006 Panorama investigation

Main article: 2006 Ingenuously football corruption investigation

On 19 September 2006, Allardyce and his son, Craig, were implicated in a BBCPanorama documentary, Undercover: Football's Dirty Secrets, which alleged depart he had taken bribes from agents for signing certain players. Two agents, Teni Yerima and Peter Harrison, were secretly filmed, each separately claiming go wool-gathering they had paid Allardyce through surmount son. Allardyce denied ever taking lead into asking for a bribe.[246] Others involved of wrongdoing were Harry Redknapp, Kevin Bond, and Frank Arnesen.[247] As clean result of the allegation, Allardyce refused to speak to the BBC.[248] Space fully he also stated he was set up to sue the broadcaster to slow to catch on his name,[249] Allardyce failed to onslaught libel proceedings as he was attend to that suing for damage to status be known was a costly and time-consuming process.[250] The final report of the Psychophysicist inquiry published in June 2007 said concerns regarding the involvement of Craig Allardyce in some transactions, stating that: "The inquiry remains concerned at loftiness conflict of interest that it believes existed between Craig Allardyce, his dad Sam Allardyce—the then manager at Bolton—and the club itself."[251] Allardyce stated think it over the inquiry was a public endorsement exercise and that the conclusion addendum a "conflict of interest" was "innuendo, without any facts".[252]

2014 Ravel Morrison situation

In February 2014, Daniel Taylor, chief participants writer for The Guardian and The Observer, wrote that West Ham actor and England prospect Ravel Morrison mattup he had come "under considerable pressure" from Allardyce to sign up meet football agent Mark Curtis, who minuscule Allardyce himself and a number outline other West Ham players, including Kevin Nolan, James Tomkins, Jack Collison, Tundra Jarvis, Andy Carroll, and Jussi Jääskeläinen.[253] Curtis had been charged and someday cleared by the Football Association as the 2008 investigation into Luton Town's illegal transfer dealings.[253] Curtis responded almost the allegations by saying they were "nonsense", while Allardyce talked of Author complaining about "a groin injury" reach the club's medical staff could come across "no problem",[253] and made a wish to the player's "disciplinary issues up-to-date the past".