[Archived] Sam Allardyce

[S15]

you can be as brave as you want behind a keyboard cant you.

Brave as I wan't? What on earth on you on about? You're the only personal which such a mental capacity that sees it fit to turn every conversation into a physical threat.

Of course I'd happily tell you I think you're opinions regarding Allardyce are ridiculous to your face. Then what, you'd start a fight?

Seriously, grow up.

[ABBEY]

who said anything about fighting?

go away and stop quoting me then i can just ignore you.

[S15]

who said anything about fighting?

go away and stop quoting me then i can just ignore you.

Because if I quote you it's not possible to ignore me? You're incapable of presenting a rational and coherent argument, post one of them and you might find people start to respect you.

[ABBEY]

Because if I quote you it's not possible to ignore me? You're incapable of presenting a rational and coherent argument, post one of them and you might find people start to respect you.

[trueblue]

Ok chaps ... can we take the squabbles off the MB please and get this thread back on topic.

[daveoftherovers]

BBC blog

Wow, a McNulty blog on the Rovers, he must have been diverted to Ewood as Blackpool was postponed.

Quality "Get stuck in!!!"

[Gav]

Because if I quote you it's not possible to ignore me? You're incapable of presenting a rational and coherent argument, post one of them and you might find people start to respect you.

He posts on a regular basis that he can't stand the manager due to his approach to games, hoof ball etc, and won’t pay good money to follow the team away.

Have you not been taking notice? he's not shy about telling anyone who wants to listen and he usually manages to do this without name calling.

[sambo]

I am one of Sam's biggest critics, being the most impulsive, critical poster ever after a bad result. I say things often out of anger, but have often been genuinely against Big Sam

But at this moment in time, why have a go? We got a convincing 3-0 win over a Wolves team who are unlucky to be where they are in the league.

If we had drawn 0-0 I would have been extremely disappointed, but we won comfortably and can look up the table rather than nervously over our shoulders.

It is probably credit to Sam and the players that I never felt the result in doubt yesterday - before the game I was sure we'd win, and that we did, making the trek from Cardiff worth it

[Exiled in Toronto]

But at this moment in time, why have a go? We got a convincing 3-0 win over a Wolves team who are unlucky to be where they are in the league.

Because critcising him when we lose is just coming out of the woodwork to gloat, apparently.

Good result yetserday but playing negatively at 3-0 up is awful. I've never seen us lose a 3-0 lead in the last 10 mins in the 45 years I've been watching. But I have seen and enjoyed a good few 4 or 5 goals drubbings, something that is apparently naive to wish for these days.

I don't mind the long balls, the reliance of set pieces etc, because they are all legitimate means of winning games, but it's the fear and negativity that do me in.

[Tom]

Why do things have to be so black or White? It's not always all good or all bad. I have yet to see someone come on here and fully slate Sam after yesterday only point out a couple of things.

By the same token I hope those having pops at people for speaking their mind dont dare ever commenting on any positive aspects of a game we lose.

[thenodrog]

Because critcising him when we lose is just coming out of the woodwork to gloat, apparently.

Good result yetserday but playing negatively at 3-0 up is awful. I've never seen us lose a 3-0 lead in the last 10 mins in the 45 years I've been watching. But I have seen and enjoyed a good few 4 or 5 goals drubbings, something that is apparently naive to wish for these days.

I don't mind the long balls, the reliance of set pieces etc, because they are all legitimate means of winning games, but it's the fear and negativity that do me in.

Professionalism. Allardyce does it and its negative, Mourhino does it and he's a genius.

As I said before in the thread two virtual sitters were missed. Breakaways forced by Wolves having to push forward that should have seen us end up on 5. Allardyce did not miss them the players did. Blame them.... or does that not suit your motivations?

[sambo]

Whilst I agree we could have perhaps been a bit more ambitious at the end, my comment was more aimed at those who see this as a reason Sam is 'not right for us'. I could see that pretty extreme reaction had it been 0-0, but I am not going to be completely negative at 3-0. Had Mame Diouf and MGP not ballsed up that chance at the end, would people still be moaning at a lack of ambition? 4-0 is a massive result really!

[Exiled in Toronto]

Professionalism. Allardyce does it and its negative, Mourhino does it and he's a genius.

As I said before in the thread two virtual sitters were missed. Breakaways forced by Wolves having to push forward that should have seen us end up on 5. Allardyce did not miss them the players did. Blame them.... or does that not suit your motivations?

I thought it was bad enough when we played down into the corner flag when 2-0 against Villa, but 3-0 ffs?

Thank God we were unprofessional after we went 3-2 up against Plymouth, pulled back Derby to 2-2, Waggy gave us an early lead at the Turd, took early leads against Forest, Sheff Weds and Norwich, otherwise we'd have no games to remember at all

[Kelbo]

Right, without being patronising, heres my take of the situation with some facts from Ewood added for your information.

Imagine you are taking examinations, you need X number of marks to pass your examination which may include a number of differing subjects, some you are pretty weak onj and others very strong, how would you plan your strategy?

Well I would play to my strengths, work really hard to get the number of marks in the strong areas and scarifice some of the weak parts, now, substitute subjects for teams and you have the perfect strategy for a club like Rovers at the moment,we probably sacrifice games such as Man U, avoid bookings and injuries and make sure we do well against teams on oour level, that is clever management.

I can tell you at Ewood, Sam sets targets based on similar facts, games he considers winnable and others where there is much less chance, he did this at Bolton and it works.

I am not an advocate of some of the football Sam has the team playing but I have to say this, at the present time, given his finances and playing staff, he is doing the job which he was asked to do by the board of Directors when he was appointed, to retain our premiership status and take us up the league, no one, not even Abbey can deny that fact.

I do understand the anti Sam brigades views on the quality of football on offer but I ask the people who are slating Sam this, name me a very successful side of a similar financial standing to Rovers, who play pretty football and stay in the top flight?

Even Arsenal, who for me are the best footballing side in the country, struggle to win the league with far greateer finances than us,

Chelsea arent playing all thast great a stuff, nor are Liverpool or Man City, we are what we are and only with a bit of investment can we push on a little.

[John]

Why should there be an extreme reaction?

Aside from the personal hatred of Sam, generally these days more than ever some football fans just like to moan.

I mentioned the other day, even Harry Redknapp was getting stick from the Spurs fans recently. Birmingham fans too at the start of the season were disgruntled with Mcleish - both mangers have done fantastic jobs at their clubs.

[Wing Wizard Windy Miller]

I am not an advocate of some of the football Sam has the team playing but I have to say this, at the present time, given his finances and playing staff, he is doing the job which he was asked to do by the board of Directors when he was appointed, to retain our premiership status and take us up the league, no one, not even Abbey can deny that fact.

I don't think anyone doubts he is/was the best person to keep us up and for that he must be applauded. The fans are split over the football on offer - this can be attributed to the manager, you either agree with his methods or you don't.

Hughes was a good manager for us, we had the attrition of the first season followed by a promise of better football (the seasons with Bellamy/pongolle and Bentley/Benni) were excellent entertainment with good league position - we had a go against the top 4. With board backing how much further could we have gone..

The Ince era was a debacle. When Sam was appointed he was just what we needed - we knew what we were getting but needs must. 2 years on and the football is a fraction better than first witnessed. Sam will never win over the bulk of fans - nor is he that arsed.

On Saturday I witnessed the worst atmospohere ever at Ewood, even going back to the days of Shrewsbury and gates of 5k. People just seem completely apathetic to the situation. We won't challenge for Europe, we won't go down, we won't win a cup, we will finish somewhere between 17th and 8th. Exciting stuff. Add to this the percentage fare on offer is for 80% of the game, dire.

I could accept the above until a takeover, in summer we need to say thanks to Sam and start a fresh chapter. Time to re-ignite the passion on the terraces.

[Mattyblue]

But even with a moderate backing from the new owners what is wrong with coming say 8th, 9th, 10th in the Premier League? If we got to 8th playing 'football the right way' would our fans then be satisfied or are too many fans stuck with a 90s mentality that believes we should be pushing for the top 6?

[den]

I don't think anyone doubts he is/was the best person to keep us up and for that he must be applauded. The fans are split over the football on offer - this can be attributed to the manager, you either agree with his methods or you don't.

Does the quality of the playing staff have no bearing at all? Would a different manager turn this squad into one of creativity and more goals - if so, how?

[S15]

Have you not been taking notice? he's not shy about telling anyone who wants to listen and he usually manages to do this without name calling.

Have you not been taking notice?

[Steve Moss]

Professionalism. Allardyce does it and its negative, Mourhino does it and he's a genius.

As I said before in the thread two virtual sitters were missed. Breakaways forced by Wolves having to push forward that should have seen us end up on 5. Allardyce did not miss them the players did. Blame them.... or does that not suit your motivations?

Sam's management against te Wolves got us 3 and could have got us 5+. He did well and should be given the credit. Every bit as much as he deserves a portion of the blame for our 7-1 whipping.

To date, he's been what the club has needed. Kudos. Whether he may be the way forward, I'll reserve opinion until the end of December. If he does well, the owners need to give him some cash and the ability to select his players within an agreed upon transfer fee and wage range. If he doesn't, best that an amputation occur quickly then be allowed to linger.

Personally, I hope Sam does well and sticks around. Stability is important. Fingers are crossed.

But even with a moderate backing from the new owners what is wrong with coming say 8th, 9th, 10th in the Premier League? If we got to 8th playing 'football the right way' would our fans then be satisfied or are too many fans stuck with a 90s mentality that believes we should be pushing for the top 6?

I'd take a guarantee of 8-10 year in and out in a second. 6th would be excellent but my ambitious are modest.

[DanLad]

8th - 10th is fine, assuming that there are highlights to the season. Good cup runs, memorable results, memorable performances.

[Mattyblue]

8th - 10th is fine, assuming that there are highlights to the season. Good cup runs, memorable results, memorable performances.

Like last season then?

[Steve Moss]

Like last season then?

Sure. Better than relegation. And there were more than a few edge of the seat moments last season and a solid cup run.

[RevidgeBlue]

On Saturday I witnessed the worst atmospohere ever at Ewood, even going back to the days of Shrewsbury and gates of 5k. People just seem completely apathetic to the situation. We won't challenge for Europe, we won't go down, we won't win a cup, we will finish somewhere between 17th and 8th. Exciting stuff. Add to this the percentage fare on offer is for 80% of the game, dire.

I think there's been a bit of an over-reaction here to the supposedly poor atmosphere on Saturday.

Notwithstanding the official attendance figure I thought Saturday's crowd was way down on recent weeks - probably down to a combination of the weather, time of year and the fact we got beaten seven without seemingly putting any effort in a week ago.

For those that did brave the elements, given the fact we did get beaten seven a week ago without putting in a shift, I know I was sitting there wondering what to expect rather than being on the edge of my seat with anticipation.

I'm sure there'll be other games with a much better atmosphere whether or not Sam is in charge.

[Wing Wizard Windy Miller]

I think there's been a bit of an over-reaction here to the supposedly poor atmosphere on Saturday.

Notwithstanding the official attendance figure I thought Saturday's crowd was way down on recent weeks - probably down to a combination of the weather, time of year and the fact we got beaten seven without seemingly putting any effort in a week ago.

For those that did brave the elements, given the fact we did get beaten seven a week ago without putting in a shift, I know I was sitting there wondering what to expect rather than being on the edge of my seat with anticipation.

I'm sure there'll be other games with a much better atmosphere whether or not Sam is in charge.

Fair point Rev, I appreciate that it's not the best yardstick for atmosphere.