Introduction
Sam Allardyce is a former England manager and professional footballer who has had a controversial career. Also known as “Big Sam,” he rose to fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s as a manager of several English football clubs. He was once considered one of the best managers in English football, but his success was plagued by controversy, leading to his downfall. This blog post delves into the rise and fall of Sam Allardyce, exploring his career highlights, controversies, and how he ended up as a former manager of England’s national team.
The Early Years
Born on October 19, 1954, in Dudley, Sam Allardyce started his football career as a player, playing as a central defender for various clubs, including Bolton Wanderers. In the early 1990s, he retired from active football and began his managerial career at Limerick FC in Ireland before returning to England.
In 1994, he was appointed as the manager of Blackpool FC, leading them to the play-offs in his first season. However, his time in Blackpool was short-lived, and he soon moved to Notts County, where he had his first taste of success as a manager. In his first season, he guided Notts County to promotion to the First Division.
The Golden Years
Allardyce’s golden years as a manager came in the late 1990s and early 2000s as he guided Bolton Wanderers to the Premier League. In his first season at the club, he led them to promotion to the second tier before guiding them to the Premier League.
His success with Bolton Wanderers earned him a reputation as a great coach with an astute tactical approach. He was known for his emphasis on physicality and discipline, which helped him win games. His teams were built around a strong defense, and his attacking players were always taught to be ruthless.
The Controversies
Despite his numerous successes as a manager, Allardyce’s career was plagued by controversies. In 2006, he was accused of taking bungs (illegal payments) by a newspaper, leading to his departure from Bolton Wanderers.
During his stint as the England national team manager in 2016, Allardyce was involved in another controversy that led to his downfall. He was caught on camera giving advice on how to bypass player transfer rules to reporters posing as businessmen.
The Shortest Reign as England Manager
Allardyce’s appointment as the England national team manager in 2016 was considered a dream job for him. However, it turned out to be his shortest reign as a manager. After only one match in charge of the national team, he had to resign due to the controversy surrounding his comments to the disguised reporters.
His short tenure as England’s manager came as a surprise to many. It was anticipated that he would lead the team to glory, but he lasted only 67 days, throwing away a lucrative job and career.
The Aftermath
After his resignation, Allardyce kept a low profile, spending his time studying football and going to matches. However, managements were not very forthcoming, and he was no longer considered the elite coach he once was.
In 2018, he got his last chance as a manager, taking charge of Everton. However, his time in Everton was filled with underwhelming performances, and he was sacked after only six months, ending his managerial career.
FAQs
Q1: What teams did Sam Allardyce manage in his career?
A1: Sam Allardyce managed various clubs, including Notts County, Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United, Blackburn Rovers, West Ham United, Crystal Palace, and Everton.
Q2: What was Sam Allardyce’s style of play as a manager?
A2: Sam Allardyce’s teams were built around a strong defense, and his attacking players were always taught to be ruthless. His emphasis was on physicality and discipline.
Q3: What was the controversy that led to Sam Allardyce’s resignation as England’s manager?
A3: Allardyce was caught on camera giving advice on how to bypass player transfer rules to reporters posing as businessmen.
Q4: Did Sam Allardyce have a successful career as a footballer?
A4: While Sam Allardyce was a decent player, he is known more as a manager than a footballer.
Q5: What was Sam Allardyce accused of in 2006?
A5: He was accused of taking bungs (illegal payments) by a newspaper, leading to his departure from Bolton Wanderers.
Q6: Is Sam Allardyce still active in football management?
A6: No, he is no longer active in football management.
Q7: How long did Sam Allardyce last as England’s manager?
A7: Allardyce lasted only 67 days in his role as England’s manager.
Conclusion
Sam Allardyce had a controversial career, marked by numerous successes and controversies. He was known for his emphasis on physicality and discipline, and his teams were built around a strong defense. However, his career was plagued by controversies, leading to his downfall. Despite his numerous successes as a manager, his controversies overshadowed his achievements. In the end, Allardyce’s career ended on a rather low note, with his stint as England’s manager being his shortest reign ever.