Quickfire Questions with Sam Allardyce

Football managerial icon Sam Allardyce sat down with UCFB and spoke about his career as a player and manager.

When ‘Big Sam’ visited UCFB Manchester as a guest speaker, he offered advice to UCFB students wanting to kick off their career in sports.

He then answered some quickfire questions on his many years working both on and off the pitch in the sports industry.

If you weren’t a footballer or manager, what would you be?

I’d have been working for myself. I’d have found it hard with my temperament to work with somebody or for somebody. I think starting my own business would have been the way forward.

Whether I’d have been successful or not is a different matter.

What is the biggest disappointment of your career?

Easy. Being sacked as England manager.

It throws you into a deep dark place, but only family being around you will help. You can look at going for some help mentally. I didn’t find myself too dark at that moment. But I needed something to turn up and that was Crystal Palace.

Once I got that job, I could put that disappointment behind me and get back to doing what I love, which is managing in the Premier League.

Favourite formation?

When I was playing, without a doubt it was 4-4-2. As a manager, it was always 4-3-3.

When I joined Bolton, not many teams played 4-3-3. It kept me in good stead for most of my career.

Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Do it my own way. You’ll get a lot of advice, but ultimately the best is that whatever you do, do it your own way.

Best moment of your career?

Probably making my debut for Bolton Wanderers, in football terms. As a manager, working my way through the leagues, managing in the Premier League and ultimately going on to manage my country.

What is the best thing about working in football?

Working with the players. No doubt about that. And playing it, professionally. You’re working, doing what thousands and thousands of kids want to do. There’s not a better career to have.

Individual sports are very talented, but you don’t get the camaraderie you get in the dressing room.

One piece of advice for people wanting to work in sport?

Be as qualified as you possibly can. Not just academically, but get as much practical as you can as well as theory.

Which do you prefer; playing career of managerial career?

Playing career. No doubt about that.

Can you describe the life of a Premier League manager in one word?

Hectic.