Sympathy for Sam Allardyce
The former Blackburn Rovers boss was shown the door at the East Lancashire club on Monday, in what many feel is an unjustifiable decision by the club’s new owners. Venky’s group have come under strong criticism by Sir Alex Ferguson
and a number of others in the world of football, after letting go off Allardyce. Blackburn endured a 2-1 thumping by Bolton Wanderers over the weekend, a game in which the Rovers went one down, and managed to level in the eighty-seventh minute, only to see
their efforts go down the drain by a Bolton goal in the minute after. The club confirmed that Allardyce’s assistant, Neil McDonald has also been relieved of his duties at Blackburn.
The club occupy the thirteenth position in the English Premier League table after acquiring twenty-one points through seventeen games. Allardyce, who has previously managed Bolton Wanderers and Newcastle United, was quoted by the
League Manager’s Association as having said, “I am very shocked and disappointed to be leaving Blackburn, I am extremely proud to have managed this club and I enjoyed a fantastic relationship with the players, my staff and the supporters during my time
in charge. I now wish them and the football club every success for the future.”
The first team coach, Steve Kean has been appointed to the position of acting manager at Ewood Park, and the Scotsman may stay there for up to six months, as the owners of Blackburn have suggested that to be the period of time it may take for them to appoint
a new manager.
Sam Allardyce ruled the decision as ‘obviously unexpected’ and that
"It hasn't really been explained to me and I'm a little confused in my own mind at the moment, but the reality will kick in in a couple of days.”
He further stated his disappointment on not being able to participate in the club’s plans for the future. The Venky’s group chairwoman Anuradha Desai had previously talked about the manager when the Indian poultry company took over the Lancashire club.
"We want results and Sam has taken up the challenge. He deserves a chance.” The Ewood Park faithful were not the only ones disappointed by Sam’s sacking. Manchester United’s manager, Sir Alex Ferguson commented on Allardyce’s departure after his side
saw out victory against Arsenal to climb to the top of the table. He branded the decision as “absolutely ridiculous” and elaborated on the issue, saying,
"I've never heard of such a stupid decision in all my life. I don't know what they're doing up there, but deary me. It confounds common sense.” Allardyce’s former team were thumped by Sir Alex’s men last month, in a match that ended 7-1 in favour of
the Red Devils. Allardyce was, and is, considered by many to take the reigns of the international English team after the current manager, Fabio Capello’s contract is through.
Blackburn signed Allardyce in December 2008 after Paul Ince left Ewood Park. The Scotsman can be credited for steering his side to safety after he acquired a club wallowing in a dangerous relegation zone spot. The Rovers went on
to finish that season in the number ten spot. Ryan Nelson, Blackburn’s captain has spoken of his shock and explained to BBC Radio 5 live that he was unaware of Sam’s departure, until he received the news from a journalist. The player from New Zealand was asked
by the journalist from the same country on his thoughts pertaining to Sam’s sacking. Nelson stated that the board had not officially informed the players and that he was “shocked” and “devastated”.
Tags: