Sam Allardyce

Samuel "Sam" Allardyce (born 19 October 1954), nicknamed "Big Sam", is an English football manager and former professional player. In June 2011 he was appointed as manager of West Ham United.

As a footballer he made over 400 appearances and played for Bolton Wanderers, Sunderland, Millwall, Tampa Bay Rowdies, Coventry City, Huddersfield Town, Preston North End, West Bromwich Albion and Limerick. Moving into management he took charge of Limerick, Blackpool and Notts County before managing Bolton Wanderers from 1999 to 2007. Commonly known as Big Sam, he led Bolton to a League Cup final as well as guiding them to UEFA Cup qualification for the first time in their history.

Following a spell at Newcastle United from 2007 to 2008, Allardyce managed Blackburn Rovers from 2008 until 13 December 2010.

Early life and playing career

Allardyce was born in 1954 at a recently built council house in Ash Green on the Old Park Farm Estate in Dudley. He was the son of Robert Allardyce (1916–1989)

He was educated at Sycamore Green Primary School and later at Wren's Nest Secondary School. He was a boyhood Wolves fan and regularly attended Molineux to watch them play.

He joined Bolton Wanderers as a centre-half in...
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