Sam Allardyce has today bemoaned the huge expectations that surround today’s game in the English Premier League.
Sam – Rome wasn’t built overnight (or even in a day)
With all the money now in the game in England, the job of football manager in the Premier league is a difficult one to say the least. Already, there are a number of them who have been sacked this season.
Sam said today:
“It’s typical of the expectation that surrounds the game today. That’s something we all have to accept and live with.â€
“Before the season started, with that amount of money spent, you knew it was going to be the most volatile season and it has proven to be that already. We’re just halfway through it and seven managers have gone already.â€
“It’s a hugely competitive league and bigger than ever before. More people have entered into the transfer market than ever before, spent more money – £530million this summer.â€
“It means that clubs like Sunderland , who got promoted, are into the £30-odd millions, which has never been seen before.â€
“Other clubs who staved off relegation are going into the £20millions. We’re all competing with everybody’s funding of new players and trying to stay in and be successful in the Premier League.â€
“It’s the only league to play in. Rome can’t be built overnight. That’s always been the expectation here so our focus is to make sure that pressure does not come on us by continuing to get results and that’s what we have got to do.â€
“We can then grow slowly but surely, to hopefully sustain more and more success as the years go by.”
It’s a big money business in world football today, and it’s not going to change any time soon. The managers are under huge pressure to win and failure to do so generally comes with the sack. But they usually can get another job elsewhere at some other club. But it’s a stressful job, there’s no doubt about that, if only because of the media attention and continual public spotlight they are under.
What Sam and Newcastle need on Wednesday night is all 3 points against a good Manchester City side. Although City are way above Newcastle in the league, it’s their home form with 28 points from 10 home games that’s the reason they’re up there in 5th place.
Their away form is as bad as their home form is good, with just 7 points from 9 games away from Eastlands. A win on Wednesday is just what the Doctor ordered for Newcastle’s faithful fans.
Comments welcome.
106 comments so far
Edd Case
Dec 30, 2007 at 6:15 PM
Comment #41Howie, yes, Jamie Redknapp, an ex-player…
He said it perfectly, Man City lacked “ambition” and should of had a pop a Liverpool.
2 Shots City had, Liverpool were easily in double figures – like I said, if I was a City fan, so high in the table with a solid home record, I’d have wanted to see a side capable of having a go at Liverpool.
Same applies for Newcastle -v- Derby, Wigan and even Chelsea when we had the chance.
Dragoner
Dec 30, 2007 at 6:15 PM
Comment #42against Wigan is fair enough, but to say you would be disgusted if your team played for a draw at home is crazy talk. Man City did it today and got a good result against a team who smashed us. Pompey did it just the other day to Arsenal and got a result. Arsenal probably would have murdered them if they tried to attack.
Howie
Dec 30, 2007 at 6:16 PM
Comment #43i would love us to play attacking more aswell but if you play attacking you must have pace to be able to defend counter attacks. we have a desperate shortage of pace
dougnufc
Dec 30, 2007 at 6:16 PM
Comment #44I said that Sam was watching the Man City match…
Dragoner
Dec 30, 2007 at 6:19 PM
Comment #45You have to accept that the top four are head and shoulders above us and beating them whilst simply attacking them is few and far between. It does happen, but it is not likely is it. Also, The all out attack of the Keegan days is entertaining but it simply wont work nowadays, Tottenham have been held back by this approach for years. They just concentrate on attack attack attack and they concede a lot of goals.
Howie
Dec 30, 2007 at 6:19 PM
Comment #46is jamie redknapp a manager eh no. i agree with dragoner that you attack wigan, fulham etc but your on a hiding to nothing attacking against the big4. its sad how big the gap has become between the top4 and the rest especially when we were in the top 4 a few years ago
graham
Dec 30, 2007 at 6:21 PM
Comment #47No Sam your right, Rome wasnt built in a day… But neither was man city or Aston villa you lumbering idiot.
Shut up, forget about interviews and get on with your job for the next couple of weeks while you have one.
See you on the sky sports panel in february with the restvof the unemployed so called top managers…
Edd Case
Dec 30, 2007 at 6:21 PM
Comment #48Dragoner and Howie…
Lads, I agree with you in some respects.
Attacking all the time is pointless, though it’s fantastic entertainment – but where did that ever get us?
My ‘The Entertainers’ video (yip, video, don’t even think DVD’s were out back then) has been gathering dust for ages – I’m desperate for another one, ‘The Entertainers – Part 2’
I just get so fed up with watching our team play such terrible, unatractive football.
Sam MUST alter his position on tactics and must be more attacking, more often and with the right players in the right place.
Dragoner
Dec 30, 2007 at 6:24 PM
Comment #49OH GOD! I HAVE BEEN INSULTING ALL MY TOTTENHAM FAN FRIENDS ABOUT BEING POOR AND NOW THEY ARE ONLY 2 POINTS BEHIND US! HOW EMBARRASSING, AND THEY HAD SUCH AN AWFUL START! DAMN! LOL
Edd Case
Dec 30, 2007 at 6:27 PM
Comment #50Dragoner – with reference to your last post about Spurs, surely, even you, will now concede that we are utterly poor with Sam in charge and haven’t progressed at all?
Dragoner
Dec 30, 2007 at 6:30 PM
Comment #51i do not agree edd. I think we are poor for a number of reasons. Sams tactics being just a factor
Obafan
Dec 30, 2007 at 6:40 PM
Comment #52Now he’s going to say that to win time.
All I have to say on this comment from SA is:
Yes Rome wasn’t built overnight, but after 6 months there was a lot of improovement!!! At NUFC there is no improovement there only is going from bad to worse. So please stop talking to the press and if you really want to fight for the job, start with focussing on your players and what their natural positions are.
Dragoner
Dec 30, 2007 at 6:43 PM
Comment #53How can people say there is no improvement. You have no idea of improvements that may have taken place behind the scenes. I also feel our defence is better than it was last year. Progress is not aknowledged by the fans on here because it is not in the area that they desire, which of course is attack
Ed Harrison
Dec 30, 2007 at 6:44 PM
Comment #54Quote from Brian Clough.
“Rome wasn’t built in a day – but I wasn’t on that particular job.”
Rob Kirton
Dec 30, 2007 at 7:06 PM
Comment #55Ed: Lets not go there about Brian Clough. I’d only get upset.
Manager of small time teams, working with little in the way of budget for players. Still managed to the league as well as European cup. Another phrase was “Let the ball be your best friend”, encouraging players to pass and move. Always boasting about his achievements…
– Makes me think of Sam Allardyce (and shudder)
A great footballer who built great teams. Sam spent his career kicking people and stamping on them with his clogs.
Davey G
Dec 30, 2007 at 7:12 PM
Comment #56“Rome wasnt built overnight” but the first bricks were put in place to signal the beginning of a most successful era……..Can you see that happening at the toon?? Stop talking Bollox allardyce and do either one of 2 things, resign and give someone else a go at taking the club forward, or stop your whingeing and whining about not being happy your future is in your teams hands and get them sorted, coz they are your team, your tacticws and quite frankly, put together, they are a the biggest heap of shite going!!! Spleen vented……………….
Davey G
Dec 30, 2007 at 7:19 PM
Comment #57Dragoner, you play with yourself quite alot i reckon……
You cannot tell me that our defence is an improving defence?? I agree they are slightly better than last season , but they are still utter garbage as a unit, and i will say it, THERE IS NO SIGNS OIF IMPROVEMENT IN THIS TEAM AND TACTICS. Look at the first three games and tell me exactly how we have improved since then, and even if there was any sort of improvement ‘behind the scenes’, it aint F****** showing in the most important area!! ON THE PITCH. Where do YOU think the most imortant area is to improve then………oh,the cleaning of the communal bath is 100% better….great….the club is moving forward, its all been a bad dream……..lords alive!!!
GalloMate
Dec 30, 2007 at 7:19 PM
Comment #58As the majority of you all seem to want SA out the door may I ask you all who you would like?
I already have;
Martin Jol
Marchello Lipi
Oh and nominations for a number 2 as well.
Any more?
Obafan
Dec 30, 2007 at 7:20 PM
Comment #59Dragoner – I think there is no improovement so far. Okay the defence is better than last year, but what about a new play style or about creating chances during a game of football; The main goal of the game is scoring goals and I do not see any progress in that.
Do you really think the players feel good about it? I hope none of them will depart in January (Martins, Emre, …), because of things that are going on at NUFC. The only one who needs to be sacked of the players is Barton (he causes nothing than trouble for a club)
Dragoner
Dec 30, 2007 at 7:22 PM
Comment #60LOL contradiction on here is ripe.
“You cannot tell me that our defence is an improving defence?? I agree they are slightly better than last season”
You contradicted yourself already.
Anyway, it is clear to see that our defence in the last few games is better than at the start of the season. Thats improvement
Dragoner
Dec 30, 2007 at 7:25 PM
Comment #61Obafan i agree there has been no improvement going forward
Obafan
Dec 30, 2007 at 7:31 PM
Comment #62Dragoner – Thanks to confirm my points 😉 .
I just hope we get out of this situation ASAP, and IMO it can’t be done under SA.
GalloMate
Dec 30, 2007 at 7:36 PM
Comment #63Come on!!!!
Of the managers currently available in the marketplace who would all of you have??
Hammy
Dec 30, 2007 at 7:37 PM
Comment #64Jose, at least the press conferences would be good.
GalloMate
Dec 30, 2007 at 7:40 PM
Comment #65Nice one…
now we have
Jose
Martin Jol
Marchello Lipi
Any more chaps??
Hammy
Dec 30, 2007 at 7:49 PM
Comment #66Jurgen Klinsmann, took an unfancied German side to 3rd in the World Cup, not sure if he’s working though….
GalloMate
Dec 30, 2007 at 7:50 PM
Comment #67Jurgen Klinsmann
Am I right in saying Jurgen has only managed Germany?
Jose
Martin Jol
Marchello Lipi
GalloMate
Dec 30, 2007 at 8:09 PM
Comment #68There is always Lawrie Sanchez
bod
Dec 30, 2007 at 8:50 PM
Comment #69get real on the managers jose????????????
Davey G
Dec 30, 2007 at 8:51 PM
Comment #70Dragoner, Drab -Goner!!
What??
What cotradiction? The defence has not improved at all since the opening day of the season?? How many games you been to?? How many match of the days have you watched?? Everyone agrees to this day, our defence is shhhhhhhhit! Pundits, fans, even players….
I put it to you that there has been no improvement at all since day one of the season, I also asked you to point out where the improvement is?? All you have comeback with is “Anyway, it is clear to see that our defence in the last few games is better than at the start of the season. Thats improvement”??????? Bollocks. Is that how we have been winning games and keeping so many clean sheets then?? God, if your gonna comment mate, please do your research. We havent had a decent defensive display all season, WHY? Because our defence is shite. PERIOD! we even conceded 2 goals against a depleted chelsea…..We play defensive football with 9 of our team consantly defending…..no exaggeration…….BSA tactics……and we still eak f***ing goals like the titanic p*****in water!!
Now come on, please enlighten me how our defence is improving?? Arsenals defencer is improving, Liverpools defence is improving, Manures defence is improving everton tottenham bla bla bla……they are moving up….we are going in what direction?? SIMPLE REALLY!!!!
Adrian Swall
Dec 30, 2007 at 8:58 PM
Comment #71So how did it take for Rome to burn down? And don’t say that it ain’t over till the fat bloke fiddles.
James
Dec 30, 2007 at 9:15 PM
Comment #72What is it with this Martin Jol nonsense?? You actually want to sack a crap manager and hire a worse manager? One that managed to turn Spurs into a relegation team? If Jol took over at St James I would give up my support for the team totally. His tactics were appalling in games, and friends who support Spurs and Dutch friends too, all despaired at him. Jol is a number 2 for a team and should know his place.
Its very easy for us from the outside to judge the manager and players, but we don’t know whats happening on the inside? Are certain players not mentally up for it? (Enrique) Are others causing problems in the dressing room? (Geremi being captain)
4-3-3 is an attacking system. Real Madrid have played it for years. Problem is that we don’t have the players for it right now because to play 4-3-3 you need the middle three to have lightening pace. Instead we have Butt, Smith, and Geremi.
Dragoner
Dec 30, 2007 at 10:15 PM
Comment #73Dave G, calm down mate your getting a bit excited. relax.
Before i start, let me just say, how intelligent you are. “Dragoner, Drab-goner”. You ever thought of taking up rocket science mate. You clearly have the mind for it.
Mate i think you need to do research before you start telling other people to research mate.
Everton – conceded 7 goals in their last 4 matches played.
Tottenham – conceded 7 goals in their last 4 matches.
Liverpool – conceded 5 in the their last 4 matches.
Newcastle – conceded 5 in our last 4 matches (with 3 of those four games being away from home. and including a blatantly offside chelsea goal )
Arsenal – conceded 4 in their last 4 matches.
Man U – conceded 3 in their last 4 matches
We have conceded less goals than some of the teams you have mentioned yet they are improving and we are not. thats odd isn’t it.
So out of all those teams you mentioned only one of the teams has conceded an average of less than a goal a game. Yet you state that these teams have improving defence. Thats odd isn’t it.
Do yourself a favour mate. Before you get all excited and start giving it all the mouth, why dont YOU do your research you big mouthed twat.
steve
Dec 30, 2007 at 10:17 PM
Comment #74kinel – our defence is worse than last season!
We’ve already let in 31 goals this season and we still have most of the big teams to play away!
It seems that every team knows they can score against us they just need to attack as sams ordered 9 players to sit back and play a containing game 🙁
Fergie 1st season saved Man U from relegation finishing a respectable 11th playing attacking football, 2nd season finished 2nd
Wenger 1st full season won prem playing attacking football
Allarshite 1st full season record number of goals against, finishing prob around 14th playing dull defensive sh!te, 2nd season, finishes 13th and cites progress made to every paper in britain
Dragoner
Dec 30, 2007 at 10:19 PM
Comment #75would also like to say that one of chelseas goals was offside. So in truth our record in the last four games is equal to Arsenals.
Tom_Toon
Dec 30, 2007 at 10:34 PM
Comment #76dragoner, as you’ve said of me, ill say the same to you, sometimes you make valid, good points other times you chat shit.
Dragoner // Dec 30, 2007 at 22:19
would also like to say that one of chelseas goals was offside. So in truth our record in the last four games is equal to Arsenals.
Irrespective. Where are Arsenal in the league and are they good to watch? 1st and yes!
Dragoner
Dec 30, 2007 at 10:36 PM
Comment #77that is not whats up for debate tom toon, we are talking about defences. I have already accepted we have not made progress going forward.
Anyway, its not talking shit if it is an actual fact.
Tom_Toon
Dec 30, 2007 at 10:42 PM
Comment #78it is as you brought it up and in that way comparing arsenal to us.
Dragoner
Dec 30, 2007 at 10:45 PM
Comment #79No, its a fact. Arsenal have conceded one less goal than us in the last four matches, and one of the four we conceded wasn’t even a legitimate goal. That is not talking shit. Their defence of the last four games has essentially been equal to ours.
Tom_Toon
Dec 30, 2007 at 10:56 PM
Comment #80who said it wasnt a fact? i said ‘irrespective’ you brought it up on a newcastle site and as an answer to someone talking about newcastle, therefore your comparing.