It’s Big Sam’s BIG 70th Today. ‘Happy Returns’ To 80s Sky Blue CH!
Born in Dudley, West Midlands, on 19th October 1954, today is the 70th Birthday of former uncompromising former Sky Blue defender ‘Big’ Sam Allardyce. CCFPA would like to wish him ‘Many Happy Returns of the Day’. He has had an extensive footballing career both as player and manager which has not been without controversy from time to time!
Sam cut his playing teeth at Bolton Wanderers, Sunderland and Millwall. However, it was fellow CCFPA member Bobby Gould who brought ‘Big Sam’ to Highfield Road after a spell appearing for US outfit Tampa Bay Rowdies.
Sam skippered the Sky Blues in 1983-84 making 32 first team appearances for CCFC (scoring one goal) before leaving for Huddersfield Town. He moved around quite a bit after that in both playing, coaching and management (including a time managing Newcastle United).
Always in demand since, Sam has built a reputation for rescuing football teams and clubs in difficulty. Before surprisingly walking away from his last club Crystal Palace in May 2017 one year into a contract lasting until 2019, having guided the Eagles – struggling under Alan Pardew when Sam took over just before Xmas 2016 – to safety, he also ‘gaffered’ the team which ‘saved’ Sunderland’s top flight status in 2015-16.
