[Archived] Sam Allardyce

[whiteinpeace]

Thing is you can't really blame Sam either way. If you are taken over how does he know he'll still have a job? He's probably still having nightmares over Mike Ashley.

I still can't see him going there though. Wouldn't fit with his ambitious nature.

And as someone mentioned his Mrs.....Its just a rumour that went round Bolton, but it was strongly rumoured his wife wasn't happy over the Newcastle job and she stayed living in Bolton whilst Sam was there!

[Kelbo]

So its OK for Sam to go and speak with another club whilst contracted to us?

If its OK for Sam then its OK for the players. I seem to remember a lot of people getting on Ped's back for listening to what other clubs had to offer him, before signing on with Rovers.

What's the difference?

I can see a valid point here Maji but if the club promised Sam money to spend with the McCarthy money and league placing, (which was widely reported) then maybe the club are in breach of contract, a verbal agreement is acceptable in law in the absence of a written one!!

Just a point, thats all.

[Veevs]

I doubt there is anything in it bar him hedging his bets.. should it turn out that the consortium have a billionaire or two in it (and there are plenty in Mumbai) there may be a good chance that they may want their own higher profile manager..

so fair play if he is sounding out clubs but more than likely a big name (Would not suprise me to see the likes of Guti, Raul or RVN being chased by dubai clubs) close to retirement player is out there visiting those big paying dubai clubs and Sam is there to sneak in and nick em.

[Kelbo]

It would I think be correct for the board to enlighten the supporters as to where we stand here regarding transfers, this could have a serious effect on season ticket sales, one decent signing would increase sales, no signings may make people hesitate. Years ago, new signings would put a couple of thousand on a gate, a top signing andf it would be a few thousand!

[Majiball]

Big one actually in that Pedersen did nothing wrong as his contract was coming to an end therefore he was entitled to look at and talk to other clubs. Unless we have given our permission then surely our manager cannot talk directly to other clubs. Might sound them out through an intermediary but direct talks?

So Ped's gets stick for doing what he's entitled too and Sam gets "he's just covering his back" when technically he's not allowed to speak to anyone. The club have said there has been no contact. I think its an interesting contrast.

It may have happened to him at Newcastle, but again by using that your basically saying that when a new manager takes over every player can start covering their backs. I'd also be very surprised if he went there but even indirect talks suggest to me that the commitment isn't there towards Rovers.

We as a club have a very different approach to our business than that of Newcastle and I'm sure the Trust will do all they can to ensure that the likes of JW and Sam remain after any sale goes through, should that be the case.

There really isn't much difference between an intermediary doing the talking on someone's behalf and direct contact. No commitment or answers would be given without speaking to the involved parties.

[whiteinpeace]

So Ped's gets stick for doing what he's entitled too and Sam gets "he's just covering his back" when technically he's not allowed to speak to anyone. The club have said there has been no contact. I think its an interesting contrast.

It may have happened to him at Newcastle, but again by using that your basically saying that when a new manager takes over every player can start covering their backs. I'd also be very surprised if he went there but even indirect talks suggest to me that the commitment isn't there towards Rovers.

We as a club have a very different approach to our business than that of Newcastle and I'm sure the Trust will do all they can to ensure that the likes of JW and Sam remain after any sale goes through, should that be the case.

There really isn't much difference between an intermediary doing the talking on someone's behalf and direct contact. No commitment or answers would be given without speaking to the involved parties.

True, but what do you think Sam Allardyce cares more about.

Sam Allardyce Or Blackburn Rovers.

Cos I'm certain what the answer is. If the company I was employed by was involved in a takeover and I'd already lost my job as a result of one, I wouldn't be turning down "informal" talks with a rival company out of loyalty and I doubt many would!

[Majiball]

I can see a valid point here Maji but if the club promised Sam money to spend with the McCarthy money and league placing, (which was widely reported) then maybe the club are in breach of contract, a verbal agreement is acceptable in law in the absence of a written one!!

Just a point, thats all.

I too see what your saying but realistically what are we going to get with our 2.5M??? Dindane is out of our financial reach, maybe some new balls and a few bib's? If the main issue is over funds or increasing the budget for a period so we can get someone now, well thats just not JW's style as its gambling and it never has been (thank god).

The verbal part would have to be proven though as otherwise its heresay, so unless Sam sits down with a tape recorder and states some jargon to JW everytime, it won't stand up in court.

What happens if we can't shift someone out and balance the books? we will be forced to do a "Warnock" again and sell a player we really don't want to. What happens if the sale goes through we've signed a player on X and then we have 10 million to spend, what was the point of signing X? We get stuck with another player on the wage bill we don't need and will most likely struggle to shift, we have enough of those.

We stretched the budget for Salgado and I guess Sam thinks that that similiar tactics will work again. but with our wage budget already at a reported 90%, can we really stretch again? Every manager who comes here knows before he joins that we have no money at all and yet within a short time they all start moaning about it. We didn't do it for Hughes, we didn't do it for Ince why would they change for Sam.

I'm sure Sam is frustrated but he knew what had happened with all our other managers and money, he knew we have none and will not spend outside what we have. Why now is it being used as an excuse?

On the other hand perhaps its a tactic to force the board to allow him to spend the funds we have now? Show some interest in another job, moan about funds and hope they change their minds to retain him?

[Majiball]

True, but what do you think Sam Allardyce cares more about.

Sam Allardyce Or Blackburn Rovers.

Cos I'm certain what the answer is. If the company I was employed by was involved in a takeover and I'd already lost my job as a result of one, I wouldn't be turning down "informal" talks with a rival company out of loyalty and I doubt many would!

I do understand what your saying, but I wouldn't judge my current employers on the actions of my previous ones. I'd judge them on their actions during my time with them and Rovers have done a lot of bending for Sam more so than even Hughes.

I'm convinced Sam is out for Sam first and foremost without doubt and will walk the second he gets what he perceives as a better job offer. Which if spending power is the issue will be almost every team in our league.

[whiteinpeace]

I do understand what your saying, but I wouldn't judge my current employers on the actions of my previous ones. I'd judge them on their actions during my time with them and Rovers have done a lot of bending for Sam more so than even Hughes.

I'm convinced Sam is out for Sam first and foremost without doubt and will walk the second he gets what he perceives as a better job offer. Which if spending power is the issue will be almost every team in our league.

When he was with us he did usually moan most summers about lack of funds, probably like someone else has said to try and force the boards hand.

When he left it was supposedly because we couldn't match his "ambition" of champions league football. If things happen with the takeover and he is still secure in his job and has money to spend then I can imagine he'll be happy. IF things carry on as they are, I can see him growing frustrated pretty quickly if his past is anything to go by. Whether there is another suitable job out there for him, I'm really not convinced!

[unluckymorton]

So its OK for Sam to go and speak with another club whilst contracted to us?

If its OK for Sam then its OK for the players. I seem to remember a lot of people getting on Ped's back for listening to what other clubs had to offer him, before signing on with Rovers.

What's the difference?

Spot on Maj. That's why I didn't have an issue with MGP seeing what else was available.

The fact is though, we have no concrete evidence that Sam is touting himself about the Middle East looking for work. He could well be there working for the TV, speaking to agents about potential signings or even having an extended holiday.

[Majiball]

I realise that there is no evidence that he was, but the reaction of some people on here baffles me and is in stark contrast to what happened with Gamst.

[nicko]

Found out a bit more about Sam's Dubai trip.

Seems he had three corporate 'gigs' lined up during the World Cup.

But they have been called off with England's early exit.

That should improve his temper.

[MarkBRFC71]

Rovers are in talks about a takeover, rumours of which is that its quite advanced. Sam has already done a very good job here, and given £20m to spend could make a real impact and prove MANY doubters wrong - WHY would he go to Abu Dhabi or wherever to manage?!

Im sorry but it wont happen! Sam is simply trying to squeeze our board for some extra funds.

Maybe because they've seen how he did at Newcastle when given money? BFS is a decent manager when budgets are tight, but there are doubts about his ability to spend wisely when he's got a sackful. I'm thinking Newcastle and Cacapa, Alan Smith, etc etc.

If it was my money, and I wanted to chuck £20m at Rovers then the above would give me at least food for thought. And if I was BFS, and in the know about which way the takeover is perhaps headed, then I would certainly be using a holiday to sound out other options.

[TimmyJimmy]

I'm a Sam supporter, right here and right now I think he is the best guy for the Rovers job. If he goes then someone like Grayson or Coleman would also fit the bill (and if we hadn't missed the boat then Coyle would be a fit as well).

That said you have to take the rough with the smooth with Sam, he is an egotist, there's no doubt about this. Personally I think that this is his prime motivator right now - he has his stash of cash built up for his retirement so more cash is good but recognition and peer respect is probably worth more to him.

The England job would be his #1 choice followed by a big 4 job followed by us in his pecking order IMO. I see nothing wrong with this, it keeps him hungry.

Should he / shouldn't he be keeping a weather eye on these other opportunities - almost everybody else would so why shouldn't he. I'm not him so in my world #1 is the pay packet, anything that takes it to the next level - I'm your man, pure and simple. Give me the money. I don't give a clumsy, hit shift + 8 again!! who I'm working for. I give 100% to my employer and always will but when it's over it's over, I'll move on without a moments hesitation.

I love money and what it brings but I hate having a high profile so whilst I have the trapings of wealth it mostly gets under the public radar, which is good. Sam isn't like that, he wants to sit on the throne, I'd rather be the power behind the throne.

I'd be stunned to learn that anybody on this message board would call for Security if they were approached by a well known potential employer and asked if they were happy in their job and were they considering a move any time soon. That's not a breach of contract conditions. These conversations happen everyday at golf clubs, spas, hotels, restaurants - that's why folk go to the top social venues as they have more chance of casually bumping into the movers and shakers. Dubai is a pretty good venue.

If we have a top manager and top players and others don't want them then they ain't really top people. It's the nature of the game. We should enjoy the ride whilst they're here and not get too prissy with all this loyalty cr*p when there's yet another rumour that some else is interested in them.

I want Sam to stay but I don't object to him looking elsewhere, just do it quietly and maintain a bit of dignity for himself and the club.

[unluckymorton]

Found out a bit more about Sam's Dubai trip.

Seems he had three corporate 'gigs' lined up during the World Cup.

But they have been called off with England's early exit.

That should improve his temper.

It also show's it's highly unlikely he's over there touting for work....

[nicko]

It also show's it's highly unlikely he's over there touting for work....

I think if you check out who wrote the story in the first place - his mates at the People and Mail on Sunday - you would KNOW the story is correct.

And from what I have found, following it up since, it is a real issue.

No point putting heads in the sand here.

[whiteinpeace]

I think if you check out who wrote the story in the first place - his mates at the People and Mail on Sunday - you would KNOW the story is correct.

And from what I have found, following it up since, it is a real issue.

No point putting heads in the sand here.

But stories of this nature placed with "mates in the press" suggest more along the lines of putting pressure on the Blackburn board do they not?

I just find it hard to believe given Sams ambitions oft stated whilst he was with us that he'd go to Al Ahli?

[nicko]

But stories of this nature placed with "mates in the press" suggest more along the lines of putting pressure on the Blackburn board do they not?

I just find it hard to believe given Sams ambitions oft stated whilst he was with us that he'd go to Al Ahli?

The story is correct.

[Anti-Dingle-Brigade]

If he goes, we need this takeover to go through. If the takeover wasn't happening and he left, we'd be screwed.

[whiteinpeace]

The story is correct.

Oh I never doubted that, more that there is a big difference between him "talking to them" and letting it become public knowledge and him actually being prepared to move there if offered it?

[nicko]

Oh I never doubted that, more that there is a big difference between him "talking to them" and letting it become public knowledge and him actually being prepared to move there if offered it?

The money on offer is huge...and tax free.

[gumboots]

The money on offer is huge...and tax free.

Perhaps we should point redknapp in that direction then

[Craigman]

Nicko,

Would the board be looking at possible replacements at the moment, just in case Sam leaves ? or is it totally concentrated on the takeover, and do you think we will be taken over this summer ?

[Doaksie]

The money on offer is huge...and tax free.

I thought Sam had rejected the Al Alhi offer a few weeks back. Have things changed since then (like not being backed on the Guti deal), and he has now decided to reconsider their lucrative offer?

In your opinion Alan, is there a chance that this one could happen?

[whiteinpeace]

The money on offer is huge...and tax free.

Ahh I see what you're saying now.