Big Sam is the ideal firefighter – but he’ll need to get his groove back…
Sam Allardyce is the ideal man for the Sunderland job. If you want a coach who will take you to new heights, never go for Big Sam. West Ham United fans know that all too well.
But, if you want a man who will keep you up – not even Tony Pulis is on Allardyce’s level.
He’s the best Sunderland could have hoped for and the perfect manager for a relegation battle at any club.
That said, it’s the Allardyce of old the Black Cats need. The one who gave up on West Ham mid-season last term won’t be good enough…
| Allardyce’s last 20 PL games | Won | Matches |
|---|---|---|
| West Ham | 3 | 20 |
| Sunderland’s last 20 PL games | Won | Matches |
|---|---|---|
| Sunderland | 3 | 20 |
Indeed, as Opta stats show, Sunderland and Allardyce have a frighteningly identical record over their last 20 Premier League games.
With the Hammers, the 60-year-old managed just three wins in 20 league games before leaving West Ham. Whether that was because he knew he was leaving or not, it is unacceptable at any level. The manner in which Big Sam left Upton Park was tantamount to packing his bags and going on holiday months in advance.
Sunderland, meanwhile, have also won three in 20, with none of them coming this season.
Based on those statistics, Allardyce and the Black Cats are a match made in hell. But the Big Sam of old – the one who comfortably kept West Ham as well as other clubs up – can obviously succeed at the Stadium of Light… if he can get his winning habit back.
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