Sam Allardyce is back in football after two controversial dismissals in a row. Newcastle fans never warmed to Big Sam’s style of football. Blackburn’s owners spoke of making marquee signings and bringing some flash to the club. Sam didn’t fit the bill. Steve Kean is still the boss there, so I am guessing that they have had a rethink. When out of work Sam spent a lot of his time gracing the couches of Sky and the BBC which at times could bore you to sleep. He has recently taken over at West Ham, and their fans know what to expect – direct, powerful and unattractive football. And that is what we think of these days when you mention Sam Allardyce. No frills, no bells, no whistles and not a lot of excitement.
But remember when we all used to like Big Sam?
Allardyce had his greatest success managing Bolton and brought the club back to the minds of the average fan. He consolidated them into a solid Premier League side. It is worthwhile pointing out that, like many great managers, he was a tough act to follow. Sammy Lee (Little Sam) and Gary Megson will not be remembered as “successful”. Apart from the aforementioned successes, Sam did something else; he brought some excitement coupled with some great names.
Back in 2002-03 Bolton were the potential banana skin for any team chasing the title. And they had assembled some mercurial talents, stars in their twilight and hard-working pros re-inventing themselves. Jay Jay Okocha would dazzle you with some tricks and skills that would drop ones jaw. He and Sam even danced on the pitch when they avoided relegation in 2003!And everyone smiled! Yourri Djorkaeff would from time to time spring to into his younger years and unlock a defense with an incisive pass or delightful flick. They even had Ivan Campo! The former Real Madrid player was now loving life in the Bolton midfield. The Spaniard always seemed to take too long on the ball, getting himself out of trouble with a touch of class, just to keep you interested! Jaaskelainen was seen as one of the best keepers in the division.
Sam then started to turn some used parts into running motors again. Kevin Davies was put on an extensive fitness program that returned him to past glories. It was a joy as a neutral fan to see the typical English forward “welcome” newcomers to the Premier League. Free-scoring Kevin Nolan was being mentioned in the same breath as Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard. Could Sam bottle this magic for England? Ageless Gary Speed arrived to see his career prolonged by Sam.
You would have to agree, Sam was fairly likeable back then. He was pulling out surprises, riling up the big guns and making himself known as “Big Sam”.
But all good things come to an end. Allardyce is now predictable in his methods and it seems the magic is long gone. We will always have the memories. Even though, today, they are hard to believe.
Wastepaperworthy 