Hungry Sam ready to make instant impact
SAM ALLARDYCE knows he needs to hit the ground running after taking over at West Brom.
The former England manager was unveiled as head coach at The Hawthorns yesterday.
Allardyce has previously saved Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Everton from the drop and takes over a side lying 19th in the Premier League following the controversial sacking of Slaven Bilic.
He said: ‘I think this job is about the same. They were different times I went in but similar times. It upsets my wife that I keep taking jobs just before Christmas.
‘What we have got to do is manage our way through this amount of games, coping with the pandemic and me trying to learn players’ strengths and weaknesses.’
Allardyce will want to strengthen his squad in January, adding: ‘There’s some money, some opportunities, but there is a massive loss of revenue because of Covid to cope with.
‘I understand the situation and we’ll try and improve the team if we can find a player. We talked about that as a key area, once I’ve fully assessed the squad. I’m not certain, but I’m sure I will.’
Allardyce, 66, has been out of management for more than two years but his appetite has not diminished. ‘I’m hungrier than ever,’ he insisted. ‘I’ve never been so refreshed and eager.
‘I’ve never had such a long break, it will have been three years in May. This break went on so long, I had lots of pent-up energy and I need to expend it.
‘I’ve missed this so much. Sometimes I go into a club and think, “Have I done the right thing”, but
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Clubs Allardyce has now managed since his one-game reign as England boss in 2016 it’s all about striving for success. It’s that thrill of trying to get a team out onto the pitch and win.
‘Most managers get in when the team they are going into is in a struggle. I can accept the sack if I deserve it and I’m very bitter if I don’t deserve it. More often than not, I haven’t deserved it.’
Bilic’s axing has proved unpopular with many fans and Allardyce said: ‘All of a sudden you have gone 13 games with only one win and unfortunately for Slaven that is what has cost (him).
‘I know Slaven and he is a great guy but it is what it is when the board make a decision and I am here to try and save West Brom.’