[Archived] Did Big Sam ruin Rovers fans?

[thenodrog]

(Remember he was interviewed in summer 2008 but lost out owing to the overwhelming negative reaction amongst fans.)

A few hundred adolescent know nowts of Facebook is hardly overwhelming. History went on to prove they were completely wrong. Why do you insist on following this stupid agenda.

Best start praying for a Christmas miracle, because that's what it would appear it's going to take.

imo Our only hope is Paul Clement. early days BUT the team does appear to be playing better under him than it has at any time in the past 12 months.

[thenodrog]

Fans like spencey have an absolute rabid dislike of Sam Allardyce that is completely out of proportion to what hapenned under his reign.

Admitting they were completely wrong is impossible for some. It's weird when one considers that they put rubbers on pencils cos everybody makes mistakes sometimes.

[chocky]

How many of if will be honest and say they hated fat Sam. They didn't make a mistake sacking BFS, their mistake was appointing Kean.

[Roversi]

I never wanted Allardyce to replace Hughes when he left, i was very much in the Laudrup fan club and was so desperate for him to takeover.

When Ince finally left, Allardyce was the only man i wanted to takeover, and come the end of that season could not have been more thankful for the man.

to get us to a semi final, and 10th place with no money and not a single goal scorer was remarkable.

His sacking was harsh and unjust, but i thought to myself, they must have someone decent lined up if they are to sack him.

Sam's football was not the greatest but it got results and for a club like us, results is all that matters. no one was complaining about the football that was on show when we drew 1-1 with chelsea(Jones's Debut). In fact the more aggressive, organised and direct we played in that game made me happier as it fustrated the hell out of chelsea.

Sam remians in my good books for what he did in his first 6 months in charge.

[thenodrog]

Virtually anyone.

Thats a cop out. Man up Spencey and give us a couple of names who would have come here with nothing to spend and us at the bottom of the Prem who could have pulled the team around as Allardyce did when he took over.

Crowds didn't go up because of Sam and his football, it was because of the cheap season ticket deals.

You were doing well there until you spewed it SD4E. So carry on and explain why crowds and ST sales have fallen now?

[Mattyblue]

How many of if will be honest and say they hated fat Sam. They didn't make a mistake sacking BFS, their mistake was appointing Kean.

It was a mistake because there was nobody lined up, you can't seperate the two.

[Pedro]

Exactly. The purists could talk your ear off about good football but people have clearly spoken with their feet and winning comes first.

Not that I totally disagree with your overall arguement SKH but I wanted to point out why this statement, and similar points of view made by others, are really flawed. It is similar to the current arguement that the actions of a minority are the opinions of the majority - when there is absolutely no evidence to support these points of view, only opinions and assumptions.

What you are saying is that the supporters who no longer come to Rovers (lets give it a healthy estimate at 5k) are evidence that winning comes first and they prefer to discount turd football in favour of the ineffective stuff we play on the ground nowadays...that is factually only 20% of the crowd. With that logic then surely that would mean that 80% (and the vast majority) in fact prefer the football Rovers play these days and are prepared to stick with it and they themselves are speaking volumes with their attendance. (This isn't my point of view, but this is how I have to look at it if I sat on the fence)

My own view of it is there are many reasons why people aren't coming which range from hatred of the new regime, a hatred of the previous style of football, hatred of what football in general has become, the changing face of the club and its distinct lack of aura and equally importantly for many, simply the cost.

We are in an era where it is now easily possible to obtain a MUFC season ticket - so I'd expect gates to be down regardless of who was in charge. One thing is for sure though, if Kean remains in charge and there is no upturn in form then that 5k estimate will skyrocket.

[thenodrog]

Sam did a decent job but when he had the chance to progress us he mucked it up. I'll always be grateful for him saving our arses after Ince but season 2010/11 he should have moved things forward style wise.

I think you need to see his 'wanted' list compared to the list he was actually sanctioned to sign by the board before you offer that as a criticism. I'm sure his orders to simply keep the club up remained the same.

[K-Hod]

Didn't think this needing discussing any further to be honest, adding to the countless threads existing on the man....

But, as much as I didn't want him initially, I was devastated when he left and it was without doubt the worst decision Venky's have made, (and there have been many to choose from), I thought Venky's had some sort of master plan to replace him with an internationally known manager, but no, they bullsh1tted us and strung us all along, in the first of many lies.

[John]

The clubs mandate was for us to stay up at all costs however the key aspect which needs to be taken into account was our finances - in comparative terms, Sam had hardly any money to spend - to suggest he did anything other than an excellent job during his time here Is folly.

Regardless of Kean taking over, when he was sacked, I had a bad feeling and ultimately we lost a good manager.

[thenodrog]

For me it's simple.

Mr Vain drained me, and plenty of others of any hope as far as Rovers were concerned. I was reaching the point (the first time in 38 years of watching) of not bothering to attend.

Now the hope has been brought back, I live in hope.

Something tells me that there are some amongst us who believe Mr Kean shouldn't be at the helm. If this is indeed true, they may just be able to understand how I felt after the Old Trafford game last year!

Old Trafford game! How about Arsenal fans? How about MU fans after their mauling by City? Results like that happen every week to someone. Stick to facts not infantile tantrums cos the simple fact is that there are far more 'not bothering to attend' now than when Allardyce and the Trust were in charge. Making you happy (and if you are you are crackers) is like losing a tenner and finding 50p.

[spencey7]

So you're telling me that Stelios, Okocha, Djorkaeff, Campo, Anelka, Hierro and god knows who else all played long ball football

Yup.

Those three names don't really belong in the same sentence Abbey. One is the fourth most experienced manager in the Premiership and definitely the most successful manager away from the Big City clubs

He isn't in the Premiership. After becoming resented by Newcastle he couldn't get a job (including our own) for eleven months until we took him out of the wilderness. When we sacked him it was seven months until he got another, which was in a lower division. He's clearly not as highly-regarded or sought-after by other clubs as you would like to believe.

All this has been discussed over and over on here so I won't be posting again on the subject, it's pointless.

Agreed.

[Steve Kean's Hypnotoad]

With that logic then surely that would mean that 80% (and the vast majority) in fact prefer the football Rovers play these days

That is one of the most ludicrous things I've ever read on here. Totally devalues the rest of your post and any point in me replying to it.

[Amo]

Why are we *STILL* talking about Allardyce, anyway?

He's history. Let's concentrate what's going on here and now.

I see TGM's dupes can't help themselves, tho.

[Steve Kean's Hypnotoad]

Not that I totally disagree with your overall arguement SKH but I wanted to point out why this statement, and similar points of view made by others, are really flawed. It is similar to the current arguement that the actions of a minority are the opinions of the majority - when there is absolutely no evidence to support these points of view, only opinions and assumptions.

What you are saying is that the supporters who no longer come to Rovers (lets give it a healthy estimate at 5k) are evidence that winning comes first and they prefer to discount turd football in favour of the ineffective stuff we play on the ground nowadays...that is factually only 20% of the crowd. With that logic then surely that would mean that 80% (and the vast majority) in fact prefer the football Rovers play these days and are prepared to stick with it and they themselves are speaking volumes with their attendance. (This isn't my point of view, but this is how I have to look at it if I sat on the fence)

My own view of it is there are many reasons why people aren't coming which range from hatred of the new regime, a hatred of the previous style of football, hatred of what football in general has become, the changing face of the club and its distinct lack of aura and equally importantly for many, simply the cost.

We are in an era where it is now easily possible to obtain a MUFC season ticket - so I'd expect gates to be down regardless of who was in charge. One thing is for sure though, if Kean remains in charge and there is no upturn in form then that 5k estimate will skyrocket.

First off there's plenty of evidence that the protetors represent the views of the majority. The poll on here, the vast majority of comments on other internet boards, the thousands of e-mails and letters sent to Venkys, the cheering when the plane flew over on saturday, the refusal of anyone to sing "Steve Kean's blue and white army" since his first few games, the booing against Man City.

As for your excuses for our drop in attendance, I'm sorry but I can't even be bothered to reply to them individually. Its just smoke and mirrors to disguise what is blatantly obvious but what you don't want to believe (being a hater of "turd football"). Have you ever heard of Ockham's Razor? A club loses 3,000 season ticket holders. Well how did it do last season? There's your answer.

[Pedro]

He isn't in the Premiership. After becoming resented by Newcastle he couldn't get a job (including our own) for eleven months until we took him out of the wilderness. When we sacked him it was seven months until he got another, which was in a lower division. He's clearly not as highly-regarded or sought-after by other clubs as you would like to believe.

Excellent point spencey7. The excellent job he did in saving us from the drop cannot be overlooked, but you are right to point out that Big Sam is currently managing, and largely managed outside of the Premier League at Notts County, Blackpool, Bolton etc. Any time spent in the premier League was at the helm of the most boring and soul destroying football you can imagine(ask many a Bolton, Newcastle and Rovers fan)and not only that he didn't endear himself to the Bolton board, the Newcastle owner or this current bunch at Rovers - you can make your own assumptions why. My personal view is that he is an arsehole.

Just a point - many an average manager has and will guide all sorts of teams out of the championship - and dare I say it, Steve Kean is ideally suited to doing just that (somewhere else ideally). Both him, Holloway, Hughton, Coyle, Boothroyd, Martinez, Jewell, Brown, Copell etc. all share the same traits of playing passing and open football - but they can't transfer it succesfully to the Premier League because they can't get teams defending or consistently get the balance right.

[steelcityblue]

Have been quietly amused by the West Ham fans on phone ins re Sam. They are squirming on the same dilemma we faced..and still talk about endlessly it seems. Many can't stand the football ('What I would like is to play with 2 strikers at home against the bottom of the league') and others point to the results and league position. Big Sam divides ALL fans not just Rovers..the WHU Naysayers need to be careful what they wish for as our experience proves..the apologists can get ready for a diet of pragmatism over style...with a good deal of egotism chucked in. You pays your money..and takes your choice.

[spencey7]

My personal view is that he is an arsehole.

Funniest quote in the history of BRFCS.

[Steve Kean's Hypnotoad]

Funniest quote in the history of BRFCS.

And typical of his detractors. When faced with the mountain of evidence for his credentials as a manager, just ignore it all and insult him. One of your fellow chimps is bound to giggle and agree.

[Jimmy612]

Yup.

Well I think that just about sums up your knowledge of football then doesn't it

Too proud to admit you were wrong about Allardyce, must be embarassing though, your premature celebrations last December do seem quite idiotic now, mind you they did then to anyone who realised the terrific job he was doing.

[47er]

It was a mistake because there was nobody lined up, you can't seperate the two.

Matty-----there was somebody lined up-----Kean!

Went over there 2 weeks before Sam was sacked to seal it up.

[Majiball]

Much of the football under Hughes was terrible as well Maj. Hughes entertained us only when he could persuade the likes of Bellamy, Bentley and RSC to join. You see, it's all about players.

Over the past few seasons we've been selling our best players all too easily. To be frank, plenty of our own fans have been more than happy to see these players leave, with dreams of how we could strengthen with the money generated. The downward slide started to show under Ince who couldn't get a poorish squad organised and disciplined enough to get the results to keep us up. We were rescued by Sam who had the abilities to get results needed, but then another poor manager has simply taken us to where we were heading.

It aint all Kean's fault.

I quite liked the football under Hughes and he was only with us for his intial part season before he signed the likes of Bellamy and the fun really started.

I agree it's not all Keans fault as I'd hoped my posts on here would show, we've seen a collection of errors that have lead us to this point. But I do wonder if said situation is being taken advantage off these days, who knows.

I think you need to see his 'wanted' list compared to the list he was actually sanctioned to sign by the board before you offer that as a criticism. I'm sure his orders to simply keep the club up remained the same.

Sam always wanted more, for me it's a strong part of the reason we made rash signings with him.

Hughes didn't exactly have funds galore and always found a well researched gem. No it always got harder but they are still out there just ask Pardew at Newcastle.

[thenodrog]

spencey7. My personal view is that he is an arsehole.

Funniest quote in the history of BRFCS.

Using only the edit function I've just trumped it.

[Pedro]

First off there's plenty of evidence that the protetors represent the views of the majority. The poll on here, the vast majority of comments on other internet boards, the thousands of e-mails and letters sent to Venkys, the cheering when the plane flew over on saturday, the refusal of anyone to sing "Steve Kean's blue and white army" since his first few games, the booing against Man City.

As for your excuses for our drop in attendance, I'm sorry but I can't even be bothered to reply to them individually. Its just smoke and mirrors to disguise what is blatantly obvious but what you don't want to believe (being a hater of "turd football"). Have you ever heard of Ockham's Razor? A club loses 3,000 season ticket holders. Well how did it do last season? There's your answer.

Ooooh, pop that handbag down sister!

To be fair though, that is an absolutely laughable response to what I wrote - pure rage, irrelevant chunder and basic ignorance. To me, you've just self-coronated yourself as the King of the blinkered people who can't see a major fault with the same opions from the same people on internet forums and for me you've popped yourself right up there on the throne of ignorance. There are a whole host of people out there in the stands at Ewood and a whole host of reasons why people don't renew tickets but I'm going to have to leave it at that my little amphibian friend because I used to waste my energy trying to exchange views with the likes of you, but that is such a waste of time when there are actually intelligent folk amongst the more challenged on here who will see the common sense in what I wrote.

If sometimes the most obvious explanation is the correct one (your own favourite Year 10 theory) - what's your story and why all the anger just because your mathematics don't make sense? It is only what Steve Kean would twist it around to and anyone with a brain should recognise that. You say 20% are unhappy, he'll say 80% are...FACT.

[47er]

Yup.

He isn't in the Premiership. After becoming resented by Newcastle he couldn't get a job (including our own) for eleven months until we took him out of the wilderness. When we sacked him it was seven months until he got another, which was in a lower division. He's clearly not as highly-regarded or sought-after by other clubs as you would like to believe.

Agreed.

God you talk some rubbish. Its interesting that you haven't posted for months but a thread on Sam comes up and its like lighting a rocket---you're off!

He hasn't got a Premiership job at the moment, instead he's taken on the role of lifting West Ham back up first go.What a huge come-down! A challenge he is succeeding at by the way.. And I don't hear many complaints from West Ham about their style of football either. Its a bloody sight better than ours for a start.

Next year he will be back in the Premiership and you won't be able to make that claim anymore.

After all that's happened you'd think the Sam-haters would put a sock in it.