[Archived] Sam Allardyce

[thenodrog]

Wormtongue..... thats it smoss Grima Wormtongue. Now how could I forget that?

Grima..... Much cleverer and subtle than the evil and base Orcs but ultimately with the same aim. A step down from your previous existence as The Dark Lord I'm afraid Paul.

Hughes did a very good job for Rovers but he was not by any stretch of the imagination the managerial genius many people think he was.

Nice to see you are in agreement with me again Jim..... see my sig.

[DaveyB]

You don't see the importance of this? I'm very surprised. The club has made enormous efforts to increase attendances to the extent the perceived value of football at Ewood is now so low it will be impossible to raise ST prices to any sensible level. I leant my ticket to someone who hasn't been for years, sadly the quality of the football did nothing to encourage a return. This is the point and anyone who ignores it also ignores the impact our current football style, or lack of it, will have on next year's ST sales. I suspect our football style is wasting all the effort put into raising ST sales.

I'm not persuaded by all this 5th best in the league form stuff, it means little especially so when anyone who critices the away form is told to look at who we've played - Arsenal, Utd, Chelsea. Well frankly Burnley, Wolves and Pompey are hardly the creme de la creme so the same arguement could be applied to home form. If it's acceptable to lose to the best then it is is expected to beat the some of the worst. There's nothing wrong with the home results and given the teams we've played the results are what they should be.

I'm again surprised as you appear to be in the camp of only enjoying the result. I like to see a bit more style and excitment in our football. There's nothing wrong with the results but I'd suggest there is concern about the 4-5-1 or 4-4-1-1 approach. Our football is very workman like, lacking any real flair, this is my complaint not the results. I haven't picked holes in the home form, but have expressed views about the way we approach home games, too cautious by far. A great example being the Burnley game when they were there for the taking, instead we sat back, on Sam's instructions, and risked throwing away the win. Dangerous tactics.

Another illustration of the Allardyce style, and his intransigence, is the McCarthy situation. Said by many to have more talent and skill than any other player in the squad he'll be leaving in January. To be replaced by who? I don't know but I bet he's 6 foot plus and puts himself about a bit. Looking forward to that.

Have to say I agree almost entirely with all of this.

The only reason I was persuaded to buy a season ticket again this year after last season was the fact that, by moving from the JW to the DE, we were able to get season tickets for me, my dad and my son for the same price as we paid for one adult ticket last year. But I have to say that atm even at those prices I can't see myself renewing for next year.

I had my letter through last week about the Liverpool game, offering me tickets at a reduced rate of £25 as we need to move from the DE - I won't be buying one. Not just because we'll lose, probably without mustering a shot on goal, but because I believe football should be about excitement, flair and skill and not about playing for corners, free-kicks and throw-ins which is pretty much all we do nowadays.

I've also been made to work on the day of the Stoke game - normally I would have tried everything I could to swap with someone or to get out of work so I could attend the game - not this time. Tbh it's quite a relief as I can't think of anything worse than watching 90 minutes of us and Stoke trading long throws into one anothers penalty areas. It won't be a case of the better team will win, it will be the team that get the most lucky runs of the ball from the hopeful punts put into the box that will win.

I also despair at the notion that this is the only way to survive - that 'we don't have the players to play attractive football.' I would say (as I'm sure most on here would) that we have a better group of players that the Dingles - well they seem to be doing ok by playing football on the ground rather than direct, hopeful punts forward. In fact, you could say they're doing just as well, if not better, than us - tend to lose away (although now have a better record than us as of last week) and do ok at home (again a better record than us so far). Wigan and Fulham are another two examples - sides that try and play football the 'right' way and will win some and lose some, but should probably be ok come the end of the season.

Oh well, I feel a bit better now I've got that off my chest, but ultimately there's nothing I can do - Sam is our manager and I'll just have to lump it - but I won't be wasting any more of my hard earned watching what he serves up - and I just hope that he doesn't stay too long. Look at Bolton - he built a side there that was only capable of playing one way, so much so that whoever came after him had no choice but to play in the same way. I couldn't bear it if he leaves the same legacy here.

[S15]

The parallels between Hughes and Allardyce are uncanny, as IMO both play similar football, have similar philosophies on how to set teams up, and both have relied on a decent sized back room team to act alongside them.

The final point I mention is currently something Allardyce is currently working without, and it would be interesting to see how Hughes would do without his preferred team around him.

[DaveyB]

The parallels between Hughes and Allardyce are uncanny, as IMO both play similar football, have similar philosophies on how to set teams up, and both have relied on a decent sized back room team to act alongside them.

The final point I mention is currently something Allardyce is currently working without, and it would be interesting to see how Hughes would do without his preferred team around him.

Have to disagree with this - yes they both set us up as being difficult to beat first and foremost, but the difference is in when we have the ball. Under Hughes we would try and keep possession, working our way up the pitch playing the ball through midfield/out wide. Under Allardyce we punt the ball upfield as quick as possible, hoping that either our stiker can hold it up, or that we can win the 2nd ball - but meaning that more often than not we squander possession far too cheaply and the ball just comes straight back at us.

[S15]

I remember a hell of a lot of times under Hughes where we would have a big man up top and we would fruitlessly aim it towards him. Kuqi, Nonda, Santa Cruz etc being the kind of striker Hughes always wanted too, granted he would have a man playing off him more often than not, be so does Sam, in the shape of Dunn. People forget Hughes had much better midfielders, and if Allardyce did, i'm sure our perception of the team would be different, and probably not too dissimilar to what it was under Hughes.

[T4E]

I remember a hell of a lot of times under Hughes where we would have a big man up top and we would fruitlessly aim it towards him. Kuqi, Nonda, Santa Cruz etc being the kind of striker Hughes always wanted too, granted he would have a man playing off him more often than not, be so does Sam, in the shape of Dunn. People forget Hughes had much better midfielders, and if Allardyce did, i'm sure our perception of the team would be different, and probably not too dissimilar to what it was under Hughes.

Perception of our team is down to Allardyce being our manager and the stigma that follows him. If we had the same squad and played the same football under Hodgson or Martinez we'd likely be praised for being entertainers considering the high scoring games we've had this season.

[Ozz]

Absolutely. Which is why I back Sam. He's an excellent manager and we will be a top 10 side under his watch.

When?

[Stuart]

I remember a hell of a lot of times under Hughes where we would have a big man up top and we would fruitlessly aim it towards him. Kuqi, Nonda, Santa Cruz etc being the kind of striker Hughes always wanted too, granted he would have a man playing off him more often than not, be so does Sam, in the shape of Dunn. People forget Hughes had much better midfielders, and if Allardyce did, i'm sure our perception of the team would be different, and probably not too dissimilar to what it was under Hughes.

I also remember under Hughes a LOT of poor first halves and going a goal down before getting going!

We have a brilliant comeback record under Hughes. It'd be interesting to compare the two.

[Hughesy]

The only reason I was persuaded to buy a season ticket again this year after last season was the fact that, by moving from the JW to the DE, we were able to get season tickets for me, my dad and my son for the same price as we paid for one adult ticket last year. But I have to say that atm even at those prices I can't see myself renewing for next year.

sides that try and play football the 'right' way and will win some and lose some, but should probably be ok come the end of the season.

but I won't be wasting any more of my hard earned watching what he serves up - and I just hope that he doesn't stay too long. Look at Bolton - he built a side there that was only capable of playing one way, so much so that whoever came after him had no choice but to play in the same way. I couldn't bear it if he leaves the same legacy here.

Who says sides should be ok if they play pretty? Forgetting West Brom last season are we? Wigan & Fulham dont look too clever either mate!

Pathetic excuses. Do you watch the games or just listen to the media hype? So far at home this season we have had 1 poor half against Pompey and a dodgy game against West Ham (Who we never beat). All the rest - City, Wolves, Burnley, Villa & 45 mins against Pompey have been good. We have also scored 11 goals in the last 4 home games....Not bad!

What legacy you talking about - constant top 6 finishes? Upsetting the big boys? Getting into Europe?

As far as im concerned...you play to your strengths - we have a big team, with a long thrower on the left wing - makes sense to use it...or should we just throw it back to the full back for you, then play it accross to Nelsen, who can then just lump it anywhere like he always has done?!

Bolton struggled when Sam left because they got a @#/? manager to replace him....like us with Hughes and Ince.

[Paul]

with a long thrower on the left wing - makes sense to use it...

Out of interest, and I'm not trying to have a dig, but can you or anyone else name a single occassion when the long throw has created a Rovers chance or goal? I can't think of one, which is why I believe the tactic is a total waste

[unluckymorton]

Have to say I agree almost entirely with all of this.

The only reason I was persuaded to buy a season ticket again this year after last season was the fact that, by moving from the JW to the DE, we were able to get season tickets for me, my dad and my son for the same price as we paid for one adult ticket last year. But I have to say that atm even at those prices I can't see myself renewing for next year.

I had my letter through last week about the Liverpool game, offering me tickets at a reduced rate of £25 as we need to move from the DE - I won't be buying one. Not just because we'll lose, probably without mustering a shot on goal, but because I believe football should be about excitement, flair and skill and not about playing for corners, free-kicks and throw-ins which is pretty much all we do nowadays.

I've also been made to work on the day of the Stoke game - normally I would have tried everything I could to swap with someone or to get out of work so I could attend the game - not this time. Tbh it's quite a relief as I can't think of anything worse than watching 90 minutes of us and Stoke trading long throws into one anothers penalty areas. It won't be a case of the better team will win, it will be the team that get the most lucky runs of the ball from the hopeful punts put into the box that will win.

I also despair at the notion that this is the only way to survive - that 'we don't have the players to play attractive football.' I would say (as I'm sure most on here would) that we have a better group of players that the Dingles - well they seem to be doing ok by playing football on the ground rather than direct, hopeful punts forward. In fact, you could say they're doing just as well, if not better, than us - tend to lose away (although now have a better record than us as of last week) and do ok at home (again a better record than us so far). Wigan and Fulham are another two examples - sides that try and play football the 'right' way and will win some and lose some, but should probably be ok come the end of the season.

Oh well, I feel a bit better now I've got that off my chest, but ultimately there's nothing I can do - Sam is our manager and I'll just have to lump it - but I won't be wasting any more of my hard earned watching what he serves up - and I just hope that he doesn't stay too long. Look at Bolton - he built a side there that was only capable of playing one way, so much so that whoever came after him had no choice but to play in the same way. I couldn't bear it if he leaves the same legacy here.

The above post has just proven that you are not actually a Blackburn fan are you? Why don't you find something else to do of a weekend?

Hughesy has made valid points and done a good job of it. You must agree that there has actually been some pretty good football played by Rovers at times this season. Or do you wear blinkers and don't want to see the positives?

We're doing o.k this season, Sam has got us to the quarter final of the League cup and come Christmas there's every chance we'll be sitting no lower than 10th. I'll not argue with that for the first half of the season.

By the way, if you didn't want to pay £25 for the Liverpool, Man Utd etc games why didn't you get season tickets on the BBE or Riverside?

You mention football should be about excitement... Are you telling me Saturday was not exciting? That,s one of the best second halves I've seen in a long time. You also mention that you'll have to put up with Sam for the rest of the season, I hate to break this to you pal but Sam was actually in charge half of last season, and, wait for it.... he was in charge when you bought your season ticket!!!

Are you really a dingle? Come on, we know you are really.

[Paul]

The above post has just proven that you are not actually a Blackburn fan are you? Why don't you find something else to do of a weekend?

.....and you and Hughesy have just proven why it's so difficult to have any form of reasoned debate with a large section of supporters. There are some people who are looking a bit further than the last three or four games. I'd encourage you to think a little more before posting and try to appreciate what folk are saying and the likely longterm effect on the club.

[waggy]

.....and you and Hughesy have just proven why it's so difficult to have any form of reasoned debate with a large section of supporters. There are some people who are looking a bit further than the last three or four games. I'd encourage you to think a little more before posting and try to appreciate what folk are saying and the likely longterm effect on the club.

well said paul

[S15]

well said paul

Only difference is Waggy your dislike it down to hatred of the manager; You never bothered to turn up to give the football a go, hence nobody respects your argument.

[waggy]

Only difference is Waggy your dislike it down to hatred of the manager; You never bothered to turn up to give the football a go, hence nobody respects your argument.

why should i turn up,his football is no different from his lotnob days

[S15]

Yeah the kind of football that saw them get into europe twice, constantly challenge the top four and saw them come to Ewood and turn a 3-1 deficit into a 4-3 win?

Sign me up.

[waggy]

Yeah the kind of football that saw them get into europe twice, constantly challenge the top four and saw them come to Ewood and turn a 3-1 deficit into a 4-3 win?

Sign me up.

and were are we near the bottom of the league,what lardarse did at lotnob has nothing to do with what he has/will do at ewood.just think anelka/nicols

[Hughesy]

There are some people who are looking a bit further than the last three or four games. I'd encourage you to think a little more before posting and try to appreciate what folk are saying and the likely longterm effect on the club.

Iv given my arguements to the point he made...what more do you want?!

DB blamed Boltons collapse on the same guy that had them 6th and in Europe - how do you work that one out?! Surely his successor was simply not good enough and didnt command the same respect?

[rovers_rob]

.....and you and Hughesy have just proven why it's so difficult to have any form of reasoned debate with a large section of supporters. There are some people who are looking a bit further than the last three or four games. I'd encourage you to think a little more before posting and try to appreciate what folk are saying and the likely longterm effect on the club.

well said paul

Ok, instead of silly sarcastic insults lets have a reasoned debate.

In the short term the home performances have been good, 5th best in the premiership. As well as beating teams who we should beat (wolves portsmouth etc...) we have also beaten villa and don't forget the dingles.

I don't agree with people who say that the football we play is dire. I think this season we have played better at home than last season and even the season before which was the last season under sparky.

I think the best football I have seen at ewood in the last few years is when Bellamy, Bentley etc.. were playing for us.

The awaay performances have been dire and Big Sam has to take some of the blame but we have played some top teams. The true test will be the next few away games.

My question to fellow Rovers supporters like yourselves is

1. If you where JW would you sack Big Sam.

2. Who would you want as the next manager.

In my opinion under Sams management we are "safe" and to some people that isn't good enough compared to the success we had under sparky but that is where we are at.

[Hughesy]

and were are we near the bottom of the league,what lardarse did at lotnob has nothing to do with what he has/will do at ewood.just think anelka/nicols

Near the bottom? We are 1 point behind 13th (the same place the board has budgetted for).

Win the game in hand and we sit 10th.

As for just think.....Anelka was seen as a big risk when Sam signed him, proved people wrong there didnt he....Dont be suprised if he suprises people with Nikola too!

[waggy]

Near the bottom? We are 1 point behind 13th (the same place the board has budgetted for).

Win the game in hand and we sit 10th.

As for just think.....Anelka was seen as a big risk when Sam signed him, proved people wrong there didnt he....Dont be suprised if he suprises people with Nikola too!

is 14th near the bottom or top,anelka was a big risk .

if i was jw i would sack lardarse at the end of the season

replace him with

TUGAY

COYLE

GRAYSON

CURBISHLEY

BILIC

just a few for you to rip to peices

[Steve Moss]

When?

Soon. This year likely. If not, no later than next.

In the short term the home performances have been good, 5th best in the premiership. . . .

The awaay performances have been dire and Big Sam has to take some of the blame but we have played some top teams. The true test will be the next few away games.

My question to fellow Rovers supporters like yourselves is

1. If you where JW would you sack Big Sam.

2. Who would you want as the next manager.

Home we've been great. Away we need work. I've no doubt that Sam will sort out the "away" problem.

In answer to no. 1, "NO".

Near the bottom? We are 1 point behind 13th (the same place the board has budgetted for).

Win the game in hand and we sit 10th.

Rovers as a top ten side is a mere game away!

[S15]

and were are we near the bottom of the league,what lardarse did at lotnob has nothing to do with what he has/will do at ewood.just think anelka/nicols

Wait?

So you say ''why should i turn up, it'll just be the same as what it was at Bolton.''

Then you say ''what he did at Bolton has nothing to do with what he will do here.''

That's a MONUMENTAL contradiction, and just another nail in your pathetic hatred filled 'argument.'

[sparkspakespoke]

.....and you and Hughesy have just proven why it's so difficult to have any form of reasoned debate with a large section of supporters. There are some people who are looking a bit further than the last three or four games. I'd encourage you to think a little more before posting and try to appreciate what folk are saying and the likely longterm effect on the club.

Surely you are he one not considering the long term? So you dont particually like the footbal being played at the moment, however its going to keep us in the Premiership.

Would you prefer us to play like West Brom last year? That was pretty football and that ended in relegation. The effect if that for us would be a disaster long and short term.

Its difficult for you to have a debate with large sections of our support because your view point is illogical and ill considered where as large sections of our support realise the reality of our situation. Maybe its you that needs to think a little more before posting.

[unluckymorton]

Rovers as a top ten side is a mere game away!

Surely that's all any of us can ask out of this season?

Hands up who's pushing for Europe???