Connect with us

Sports

Sam Allardyce Names the ‘Most Annoying’ Manager he Ever Shared a Touchline With

Published

on


Sam Allardyce has revealed his pick for the ‘most annoying’ football manager he ever shared a touchline with during his 31-year career in the Premier League. Over that time, ‘Big Sam’ earned a reputation as the ultimate survival specialist, consistently taking on jobs that came with immediate jeopardy.

In fact, the 71-year-old famously maintained an unbeaten record in relegation battles across 15 seasons, helping steer clubs such as Bolton Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers, Sunderland, and Crystal Palace away from danger – often by relying on a safe, direct, and defensively focussed approach to turn form around.

For that reason, Allardyce himself could easily be considered among the most frustrating managers in Premier League history, given how often his pragmatic style disrupted opponents chasing success. However, when making his own choice, he focused purely on touchline antics – and there was no hesitation in his answer.

EPL_Best PL Managers


25 Greatest Managers in Premier League History Ranked

The Premier League’s greatest managers of all time have been ranked in order.

Allardyce Didn’t Hesitate When Naming ‘Most Annoying’ Manager He Faced

Everton manager Sam Allardyce looks on

Appearing on a recent episode of ‘The Good, the Bad, and the Football’ podcast, Paddy McGuinness wanted to know who Allardyce felt was the most annoying manager to share the touchline with. Expecting a more considered answer, the one-time England manager had clearly already thought about his answer previously. He said (watch the full segment below):

“Rafa[el Benitez]. I had a lot of fall outs with Rafa and Arsene Wenger, but [I have] total respect for them as managers and what they have achieved, so it wasn’t anything else, but I just can’t be doing what they try to do to me. Try do something to me, and you’re not going to win. Or I’m going to try not to let you win. I’m going for you.”

After Paul Scholes mentioned Benitez had previously said something about Allardyce’s long-ball tactics, the inactive manager – having last had a short stint with Leeds United in 2023 – recalled that the Spaniard once made a two-hour video complaining about it. He also then put the former Liverpool boss on blast for the contradictions he made about time-wasting, claiming every manager did it.

Rafael Benitez’s Time in the Premier League

rafael benitez manager

With time-wasting back in vogue in the Premier League this season, Rafael Benitez would no doubt have found a few more managers to wind up – that much feels certain. The Spaniard was never everyone’s cup of tea (just ask Allardyce or Jose Mourinho, with whom he shared plenty of fiery touchline battles over the years).

But for what he achieved with Liverpool in the 2005 Champions League final, Benitez will always be a legend on the red half of Merseyside. His spells at Newcastle United and Everton never quite lived up to those lofty standards, though his struggles at Goodison Park were viewed by some Reds fans with a sense of irony – as if his brief tenure there somehow worked in Liverpool’s favour.

Captain Steven Gerrard and manager Rafael Benitez of Liverpool
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – MAY 25: Captain Steven Gerrard and manager Rafael Benitez of Liverpool lift the trophy after the ceremony following the UEFA Champions League final between AC Milan and Liverpool at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium on May 25, 2005 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)

The 66-year-old’s Premier League record is distinguished yet mixed. Across six seasons at Liverpool (2004-2010), he posted an impressive 55% win rate and came closest to the title with a second-place finish in 2008/09. He later took charge of Chelsea in an interim role, as well as Newcastle and Everton, recording a 58% win rate at Chelsea and 43% at Newcastle.

His time with the Toffees, however, lasted just 22 games, yielding a 32% win rate and only one victory in his final 13 league matches – bringing a turbulent chapter to a swift end.



Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sports

54-Year-Old Manager in Line to Replace Rohl at Rangers

Published

on

By


Rangers already appear to have a prime managerial target amid the possibility of Danny Rohl being lured away this summer. Rohl has only been at Ibrox since October, but despite overseeing a title collapse during the season just gone, the German is being linked with a new job.

Rangers have thrown their weight behind Rohl, despite a disappointing end to the campaign, but Austrian club RB Salzburg are hoping to turn his head. Salzburg decided not to extend Daniel Belchler’s short deal, and they are now said to be in talks with the Gers over the appointing of Rohl.

Rangers identify replacement

Hearts manager Derek McInnes looks on via Reuters

According to The Sun’s journalist Robert Grieve, who also broke the Lawrence Shankland to Rangers transfer a few weeks ago, there is no deal involving Rohl in place as things stand. The Scottish giants are demanding a multi-million compensation package, insisting there will be no movement until that is agreed to.

Rohl is under contract until the summer of 2028, so Rangers are well within their rights to demand that compensation, and such money will help them source a replacement that will also likely command compensation.

And that will indeed be the case if Rangers go after Hearts boss Derek McInnes, who will be the prime target should Rohl leave, according to the report.

The former Aberdeen and Kilmarnock boss has been with his current club since May of last year, and in his first full season, he guided Hearts to within less than one game from winning the Premiership title. Hearts were ultimately beaten by Celtic on the final day to lose out, having held the Bhoys at bay for an extended run.

The latest on Rohl to Salzburg talks

Rangers manager Danny Rohl smiles via Reuters

Whether Rangers advance their McInnes interest will be totally dependent on what happens with Rohl, but an exit seems likely at this stage. Rohl has previously worked for Red Bull, serving as one of the RB Leipzig coaches, and he has reportedly been pitched to Red Bull group by Jurgen Klopp, who is head of global soccer with the company.

Gers chiefs Andrew Cavenagh and Jim Gillsespie are currently in Boston on a club event, and they are said to have met Salzburg advances with the demand for the aforementioned compensation.

Ironically, Rohl was set to take Rangers on a pre-season tour of Austria this summer, but if Salzburg do end up appointing him, he may be headed to Austria on a separate plane to his current team.


Danny Rohl


Danny Rohl Stance On Leaving Rangers For RB Salzburg Revealed

Danny Rohl has emerged as a potential target for RB Salzburg, but Rangers supporters should not be preparing for another managerial search just yet

Continue Reading

Sports

Man Utd in ‘Official’ Talks to Sign ‘Incredible’ Star

Published

on

By


Fabrizio Romano has issued an update on Manchester United’s reported bid to land West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes this summer. The Red Devils are in the market for a combative midfielder as they look to replace the outgoing Casemiro this summer.

Michael Carrick has already snapped up Ederson from Atalanta, but United want a statement signing they can plug and play in that holding role. A number of names have been mentioned, but West Ham’s Fernandes seems to be one of the lead targets, and Romano has provided the latest on the situation.

Romano’s Fernandes to Man Utd update

West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes celebrates scoring vs Sunderland

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano reported that United are currently in talks with West Ham over the signing of Fernandes, though the fee could be a sticking point.

“My understanding remains £85million the price of the player,” he began. “Obviously West Ham (would like) to have several clubs at the table to drive the price up, but at the moment still an open situation, the one of Mateus Fernandez, Real Madrid, genuine interest, a name indicated by José Mourinho, but they signed Bernardo Silva, so there are many midfielders at Real Madrid right now, and that’s why, at the moment, for Real Madrid, interest, yes, contact, yes, but still nothing advanced.

“Manchester United are in official negotiations with the agent of the player talking about the contract, and Manchester United are also in contact with West Ham to discuss about the transfer fee. Man United are not going to pay completely crazy money, so Man United wants to understand if there is the possibility to restructure the deal, maybe a lower fee than 85 million pounds, but maybe adding some add-ons and try to find a different structure.”

Fernandes a man in demand

West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes celebrates scoring Premier League goal against Sunderland via Reuters

Fernandes is attracting plenty of attention this summer, and while part of that is West Ham suffering relegation, interest was always likely given he clearly stood out for the Hammers in the season just gone.

At just 21 years of age, Fernandes has been identified by many as a player who has a huge future ahead of him, and national team manager Roberto Martinez is also well aware.“Regarding Mateus Fernandes, what he’s doing now is incredible,” he said. “We all know his journey and what he did in the under-21s.”

Fernandes is not at this summer’s World Cup, with Portugal having a superb midfield that includes Vitinha, who is arguably the best in the world in his position. But it’s clear Fernandes is well on course for a spot in his country’s national team.


Manchester United caretaker manager Michael Carrick celebrates Premier League win over Liverpool at Old Trafford


Romano: Man Utd Preparing Bid for £85m ‘Superstar’ After Talks With Agent

Manchester United are keen to sign Mateus Fernandes in the summer transfer window

Continue Reading

Sports

Arsenal Open Talks To Sign Forward With 51 Goal Contributions Last Season

Published

on

By


Arsenal are in talks over the signing of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, GIVEMESPORT understands.

While a number of other clubs have been active already in the summer transfer market – despite it not officially being open yet – the Premier League champions have so far been quiet.

But that may be about to change.

The Gunners will not want to stand still after winning their first Premier League title in 22 years this season and coming oh so close to making it a historic double, losing out in the UEFA Champions League final on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain.

Two players could leave Arsenal this summer

Leandro Trossard

A number of players have been linked with the exit door at the Emirates Stadium, with Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli among those tipped to leave the club this summer.

Manager Mikel Arteta will be in the market for attacking reinforcements and that’s where Tzolis comes in.

The left-sided forward would be a direct replacement for the likes of Trossard and Martinelli, should either or both depart the club this summer.

The 24-year-old enjoyed an extraordinary season in Belgium, scoring 22 goals and providing a whopping 29 assists in 52 appearances overall – almost a goal contribution in every game he played.

And Arsenal have opened talks with Brugge over a deal this summer, with GMS sources suggesting the Belgian outfit are looking for a fee in the region of £35million to sanction a transfer.

World Cup History Quiz

You scored

out of 20

Tzolis actually has some Premier League experience under his belt already, having played 14 times for Norwich in the 2021/22 season when he was just a teenager. He did not manage a goal or assist in that time, although his appearances were generally limited to cameos off the substitutes’ bench.

Arsenal still want to sign Morgan Rogers

Aston Villa attacker Morgan Rogers celebrates winning the Europa League final against Freiburg

Any move for Tzolis will not impact the Gunners’ interest in Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers, who remains their leading target in attack. Arsenal will likely have to shell out upwards of £80million to complete a deal to sign Rogers this summer.

The Gunners do have the green light to discuss a move for Rogers with Villa, however, with GMS understanding that Rogers is expected to leave Villa Park this summer. The Villans have to balance the books financially with regard to the Premier League’s new Squad Cost Rules, as well as adhering to UEFA’s strict policy on squad cost rules too, having qualified for the Champions League.


Mikel Arteta


£100m Star Serious About Joining Arsenal This Summer, Berta Wants Him

Arsenal have moved into a strong position in the race to sign Morgan Rogers as the England star makes preference for North London transfer

Continue Reading

Trending