There are few managers around who can say that they’ve never been relegated. But one who can say that is Sam Allardyce, and when West Bromwich Albion started to look nervously over their shoulders, it was Allardyce that they turned to – a move that saw German betting experts sportwetten-test.org reduce the odds on WBA remaining in the Premier League this season.
Allardyce built his reputation as a safe pair of hands at Bolton Wanderers who he took into the Premier League, establishing them and taking them into Europe. As a result of his exploits with the Trotters, he was offered the big job he craved at Newcastle United. However, despite a good start to life at St James’ Park, Allardyce’s appointment wasn’t universally popular, and after a bad run prior to Christmas, he was sacked to be replaced by returning Kevin Keegan.
Big Sam’s next port of call was Blackburn Rovers to replace Paul Ince. Rovers were second from bottom of the Premier League when he arrived. But life under Allardyce began with a nine-game unbeaten run, and Blackburn finished the season comfortably clear of the relegation zone in 15th place. His second season at Ewood Park saw Blackburn finish 10th, with Allardyce extremely popular with the club’s support. However, part way through the 2010/11 season, Allardyce was surprisingly sacked with the club 13th in the table to be replaced by one of his coaches, Steve Kean.
After leaving Blackburn, Allardyce spent four years with West Ham United, taking them back to the Premier League at the first attempt, and reestablishing them in the top-flight. However, as with his brief spell at Newcastle, Allardyce wasn’t universally popular at West Ham, and very few tears were shed on either side when his contract wasn’t renewed and he left the club.
Perennial relegation battlers Sunderland were the next club to hire Allardyce, and he arrived at the Stadium of Light with the club second from bottom of the Premier League with just three points from their opening eight games. Allardyce kept Sunderland up, their survival confirmed with a 3-0 win over Everton, a result that relegated his former club and Sunderland’s fierce rivals Newcastle.
Surprisingly, Allardyce left Sunderland in the summer to take the England job. But this ended in humiliation with Allardyce forced to resign after allegations of malpractice. Allardyce took charge of England for just one game which he won.
Following his England disaster, Allardyce took on another rescue job at Crystal Palace before a brief and unhappy spell with Everton, which ended in May 2018.
After more than two years out of the game, the Baggies came calling, and despite his local roots, Allardyce wasn’t a popular appointment with the Albion support, and this has been reinforced by results to date. The club’s home form has been nothing short of horrific, and they have won just two out of Allardyce’s fifteen games. And this poor run has included an embarrassing FA Cup exit to Blackpool.
There is still time for Allardyce to work his magic once again, but it’s looking increasingly like this is one rescue job too far.
