One of Sam Allardyce’s greatest attributes is that he can get the best out of whatever players he has.
Couple this with his ability to spot good players – before they are good – and picks them up for peanuts and finally let’s not forget he can handle problem players with some success. Finally Sam seems to have handled the injury problems all clubs have – and had the lowest injury rate in the league at Bolton.
So – given that – what team could Allardyce really benefit?
Let’s think – which team has underperforming players, always pays big money for good players , always has injury problems – and has had a few problem players of its own.
You’re right – Newcastle United – and that’s why Sam could just be a great choice to manage the club.
Sam – The odiot’s done it again !”
Let’s analyze these four points in a little detail:
- Gets the best out of players – you just have to look at Bolton’s squad – which with due respect is not as good as Newcastle’s and yet Sam has got them a place in the UEFA cup for next season. Sam has not had anywhere near the money Newcastle managers have been given by Shepherd these last few years
- Handles problem players – you just have to see how he handled El-Hadji Diouf when he went on loan from Liverpool – Sam got him from Liverpool on loans – and while he was a pain for opposing teams and players he has since produced great form at Bolton and has been no problem to Bolton. This is what Diouf said yesterday to the Bolton News about Sam
“I do not know what I am doing next season.”I need to talk with the gaffer, with the chairman and my manager as well. When I saw on TV that Sam had left I was very sad.”I will never forget him. He did a lot of things for me and that is why I have played better here than at Liverpool. Sam gave me confidence and respect.
“But, whatever I do next season, whether I stay or go, I will never forget Bolton.” - Ability to spot Good Players – his ability here is for all to see at Bolton. Some players he has brought in – most towards the end of their careers
One example that is pertinent – Gary Speed – picked him up from Newcastle for ₤750,000 and has had a good 3 years out of him and Gary has played 117 times for Bolton and scored 13 goals. Not a bad return. Other players include Kevin Nolan, Kevin Davies, Abdoulaye Faye, Ivan Campo and the like. - Few injury problems – as far as these go Bolton lost 40 hours of playing time through injuries last season and Newcastle lost 400 hours.He keeps down the injuries by using sports medicine techniques and the like – and will continue to do so at Newcastle. He has also already stated he will need to find out why Newcastle have all these injuries – and fix it.
We’ve been saying this on this web-site for a long time – did you ever hear Roeder or Shepherd talk about fixing the problem?
No – it was all just bad luck – don’t you believe it!
4 comments so far
joe
May 17, 2007 at 10:42 AM
Comment #1Spot on with the above comments. I think that there will be less NUFC players on the lash on a saturday night from now on. Can’t wait till we see an NUFC side play like they actually want to be here.
Ed Harrison
May 17, 2007 at 11:08 AM
Comment #2Joe – looking forward to the day when one of our players isn’t playing 100% – Sam replaces him – and as he comes off gets a kick up the backside from Sam – and sent straight to the dressing room ! 😀
JP from Gibraltar
May 17, 2007 at 11:08 AM
Comment #3I am really excited at the prospect of Sam Allardyce leading the team in the right direction. I truly believe this is the guy for the job and the good times are just round the corner. I believe his down to earth approach will be of great benefit to everyone involved and is similar to Sir Bobby Robson and Kevin Keegan in that sense and they have been our two most successful managers in ten years. He seems to be on top of everything and his awareness and technical expertise will be of great benefit to Newcsatle for many years. I can really see us winning some silverwear at last with Big Sam 🙂
Ed Harrison
May 17, 2007 at 12:22 PM
Comment #4JP – We all hope you are right !!