BIG SAM: I’VE GOT THE HEART AND MIND TO BEAT THE DROP

The 66-year-old has had work on his heart and was famously wired to a stress monitor during a Premier League fixture – with results that led to the medical checks bosses still take today.

Allardyce admits that putting his wellbeing on the l ine “was a consideration” before he took the job.

He said: “My health was a factor for me.

“From that game at Bolton when I was wired up, the League Managers’ Association set up the ‘ Fit To Manage’ programme that we can visit at any time of the year to be checked over.

“On top of that, my wife and I do a full body medical once every three years – that’s given us an indication of where we are.

“I also had two stents put in during my time at Blackburn Rovers in 2009. That caused me to look after myself more than I did before because I was looking after my players and ignoring my own health.

“I have learnt to deal with the pressures of football, but also to recognise that my health is important – not only for me, but for my wife, children and grandchildren.

“But I also know that the stimulation you get from football helps gives you the right mental health.

“You can feel down, you sometimes don’t feel worthy because you are not having anything to do with football.”

Allardyce said that he is even teased by his pals about being a Premier League troubleshooter – they text him and leave messages for ‘Red Adair’, the famous US oil-well firefighter.

The fact he has agreed an 18- month contract with West Brom suggests that, even if the Baggies suffer relegation, he will be around to try and lead them back into the top flight.

He is determined that his record of never having been relegated is continued. He said: “I’d be massively upset

TOP SHAPE Allardyce says he is fit and ready to save the Baggies from the drop if we were relegated. If I then stayed at West Brom and got them back up to the Premier League, it might be a relief for me and right that wrong.

“But I’d still have that tag of being relegated, being the one that took them down. I don’t want that.”

Allardyce added: “It may happen this time, I can’t guarantee it won’t happen. But I’ll just do my best to get them safe.”