Member News: Big Sam Leaves The Palace And The Game (For Good?)

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Sam in the Sky Blue

Yesterday’s papers were reporting that uncompromising former Sky Blue central defender (and CCFPA member) ‘Big’ Sam Allardyce has shocked his current employers Crystal Palace having ensured their survival in the Premiership in 201-17.  Sam cut his playing teeth at Bolton Wanderers, Sunderland and Millwall.

However, fellow CCFPA member Bobby Gould brought ‘Big Sam’ to Highfield Road from a spell turning out for US team Tampa Bay Rowdies and he skippered the Sky Blues in 1983-84 making 32 first team appearances for CCFC (scoring 1 goal) before leaving for Huddersfield Town. Sam moved around quite a bit after that in both playing, coaching and management (including a time managing Newcastle United).

Frank Pritchard Presents Sam With His CCFPA Tie

Always in demand since Sam has built a reputation for rescuing football teams in difficulty he may find it difficult to walk away from the game completely and for good. Before Palace he gaffered the team which ‘saved’ Sunderland’s top flight status in 2015-16. Sam joined the Association just a year ago when CCFPA’s Frank Pritchard signed him up at Sunderland.

Allardyce had signed a contract to 2019 at Selhurst Park and left having guided the Eagles, who were struggling under Alan Pardew when Sam took over just before Xmas, to a 14th place safe spot. ‘Big Sam’ cited personal reasons for his resignation after five months apparently not wanting to face another stressful season managing a Premiership outfit.

The Guardian quotes him ” I want to able to savour life whilst still relatively young … and healthy enough to do all the things I want …. like travel and spend more time with my family and grandchildren”.

In between Sunderland and Palace, of course, Sam had to face the embarassment of resigning post Euro 2016 as England’s gaffer after only 67 days in office after a newspaper sting. CCFPA wishes Sam all the best in his retirement (however temporary) and hopes he will now be able to find the time to visit us as our ‘special guest’ at a Sky Blues game next season!

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