#3 No nonsense both in his playing and managerial career
Sam Allardyce plied his trade as a defender in his playing days. He signed for Bolton Wanderers from Dudley town in 1969. He was described as a centre back who was never afraid of going into tackles and was especially adept at getting up quickly while the tackled opponent lay flat on the floor.
Big Sam’s managerial career is also based on the no non-sense principle. He is a student of the game who uses technology and statistics as a major preparatory ground ahead of games. Allardyce’s main strength lies in the preparation before the game which enables him to impart organisation and defensive stability in his side.
He has often been criticised for his long-ball tactics most notably in his time as West Ham manager with Jose Mourinho describing his style belonging to the 19th century. He has, however, dismissed such criticism by saying it is “totally and utterly wrong.” Allardyce is right up with the big guns in terms of his playing style, opting to study his opponents and organise his teams accordingly.
