Season 5 Episode 29

Big Sam

Was Sam Allardyce a long-ball merchant, or was his football just misperceived?
Football & English header background

Episode Notes

He once said that if his name was ‘Sam Allardicio’, he could have got a job at Manchester United. He also claimed that there was no one in football ahead of him; not Pep, Klopp or Arteta. But still many people claim that Sam Allardyce is a long-ball merchant, whose teams would play out of date football.

Vocabulary

  1. Antiquated: old-fashioned or unsuitable for modern society
    ”Many people have criticised Sam Allardyce for playing antiquated football.”
  2. Perceive: to come to an opinion about something
    ”Sam Allardyce has expressed frustration with how his is perceived.”
  3. Specialist: someone who has a lot of experience, knowledge, or skill in a particular subject
    ”Big Sam is regarded as a survival specialist.”

Related Episodes

England Manager

What makes being England manager “the impossible job?”

Sir Alex Ferguson

This month marked 35 years since Sir Alex Ferguson was appointed as Manchester United manager, on the 6th of November 1986. It was one of the most inspired appointments in the history of football, and changed Manchester United and English football in ways that not many other people could claim.

Ange

He's the most successful Australian manager. This is the story of Ange Postecoglou.

Comments & Feedback

Maybe you missed these episodes?

Mascots

Mascots

 Euro 2020: Episode 1

Euro 2020: Episode 1

 PENETRATE

PENETRATE

 Japan 1-1 Australia

Japan 1-1 Australia

 Qatar 2022: Episode 7

Qatar 2022: Episode 7

 Timing

Timing
© 2026 Football & English