THREE AMIGOS’ BAGG OF TRICKS
IT is a wonder the three amigos – Sam Allardyce, Phil Brown and Neil McDonald – have not joined together on a special survival app.
Right now the halcyon days of leading Bolton into Europe and giving the Premier League big boys a regular cupping have been replaced by battling relegation.
With Allardyce as Trotters boss and Brown (below) and McDonald his trusty lieutenants they rocked the establishment.
McDonald, who has recently returned from a spell in India assisting Brown, admitted: “No one can accuse us all of not taking on a challenge.”
While West Brom boss Allardyce attempts to maintain his proud record of not being relegated from the Premier League, Brown has just hitched up at Southend, stuck in the bottom two of League Two, while McDonald (right) is helping edge Barrow to league safety.
“I’ve been here for 11 games and fortunately we’ve picked up 20 points so hopefully I’ve made a little contribution,” McDonald said.
“The three of us are all battling against the odds.
“It’s a case of trying to use every last ounce of experience that we have.
“It’s not always been like that – we’ve had some enjoyable times but this is a completely different feeling.
“I’d like to think, though, we all know what we’re doing – and that’s vital when you are up against it and your club’s future is on the line.” McDonald admits to being a little surprised Big Sam took on the Baggies job with Albion already having one foot in the Championship.
He added: “It has placed his record at never having taken a club down from the Premier League at risk.
“But with his expertise you would think he would always have a chance of turning things around.
“In recent games they have discovered the right balance of scoring goals and not conceding and they are winning matches.
“Is it too late? We will see. He’s given them a chance.”
And what about his other mate at Southend?
He said. “Phil was still in India doing work as a TV analyst after we left our jobs at Hyderabad.
“He returned to England and later got the phone call asking for help. “He is the perfect choice. He knows the club, how it’s run. He knows he has an uphill task.
“The mentality is keeping everything basic, everything as simple as possible. Trying to be hard to beat. Set-plays are vital and that may mean ugly football at times, but if that’s what’s needed to survive so be it.
“There are pressures right throughout football. It doesn’t matter if you are Manchester City trying to win the title or Champions League – that’s huge pressure.
“It’s a bit different to where West Brom are, where Southend are, where we are.
“There are also consequences for failure.”