This week, Gary has a look at the massive job Big Sam has on his hands as he tries to guide Leeds to safety through a wicked run-in. This and more in the Whisperer’s weekly Premier League column.
Big Sam’s Big Job
To the surprise of many, “Big” Sam Allardyce was appointed Leeds United manager this week with the task of keeping the club in the Premier League. He has four matches to do so. On his appointment, he told the assembled media, “I’m as good as Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp and Mikel Arteta”. It had shades of Jose Mourinho’s “Special One” introduction.
The thing is, “Big Sam” needs no introduction. He is 68-years-old and has managed in the EPL before, most recently when West Brom were relegated in 2020/21. He’s also had stints with Everton, Crystal Palace, Sunderland, West Ham, Blackburn, Newcastle, Bolton, and of course England.
He’s old school, and that’s why the media love him and he gets a free ticket. Instead of questioning his statement about Guardiola, Klopp and Arteta, the media laughed and it helped Big Sam settle into the job. If Leeds are relegated, no damage to him in terms of his reputation. He’s savvy.
The Charm Offensive
Some two decades ago I was working in London’s “Fleet Street” newspaper environment, when print newspapers really did influence people’s thoughts and opinions. I was told a few (true) stories and suddenly it all made sense. Whenever there was a top vacancy, the same “old” names were trotted out in the media. Sort of how Jake White’s and Rassie Erasmus’ are when a rugby job comes around. The reason is that they are popular with the media and know the power of the media.
I was told that “old school” managers, like Terry Venables, Harry Redknapp and Big Sam would scour their local newspapers. They would see a new byline writer in the paper talking about the football club and they’d phone the sports editor. “Who is the new byline, oh, a youngster? Let me take him to lunch.” The flattered newbie would then get a call from the revered manager, taken to lunch and you’d never see a negative article written about them.
Javi Gracia – Unlucky Number 14
The man who Big Sam has replaced at Leeds is Javi Gracia. He’d been in the position for less than three months after himself replacing Jesse Marsch. In total there have been 14 managers who have lost their jobs this 2022/23 season. They are, in order of leaving: Scott Parker (Bournemouth), Thomas Tuchel (Chelsea), Graham Potter (Brighton), Bruno Lage (Wolves), Steven Gerrard (Aston Villa), Ralph Hasenhutti (Sothampton), Frank Lampard (Everton), Marsch (Leeds), Nathan Jones (Southampton), Patrick Vieira (Crystal Palace), Antonio Conte (Tottenham), Brendan Rodgers (Leicester), Potter (Chelsea) and Gracia.
A Couple Of Talking Points Ahead Of The Weekend
LiVARpool Get The Rub Of The Green Again
Last week we wrote about the decisions VAR has made this season and how Liverpool top the “table” for most decisions in their favour. This is certainly not a dig at any Liverpool supporter, and as a committed fan of another club I fully understand that one takes the good luck when. it comes. However, there seems to be consensus that the penalty that Liverpool were awarded against Fulham during the week was “overly soft”, and with Mo Salah converting it, Liverpool went on to win 1-0. It’s important to note that VAR looked at the incident, but didn’t overturn the original decision. But, Liverpool are enjoying the “rub of the green” this season.
United Sunk Late Brighton Spot Kick
Talking of penalties, Man United were on the wrong end of one in their 1-0 defeat to Brighton during the week. Alexis MacAllister – who sounds like he’s on the way to Liverpool – stepped up for the only goal of the game in the 99th minute. It meant that Brighton completed the League double over the Red Devils for the first time in their history. It was also payback for the penalty that Bruno Fernandes scored that helped United beat Brighton 3-2 in September 2020. On that occasion, United were awarded a penalty AFTER the final whistle and play restarted, with Fernandes netting the spot kick.
United’s Woes On The Road
There has been plenty of talk about Man United’s resurgence as a threat to Manchester City and Arsenal, but for all Erik ten Hag’s work, there remains a damning statistic. Up to this weekend, United had played an away game against all other eight teams in the top nine. They hadn’t won any. Lost 4-0 at Brentord, 6-3 at Man City, 3-1 at Aston Villa, 3-2 at SArsenal, 7-0 at Liverpool, 2-0 at Newcastle, drew 2-2 at Tottenham and now lost 1-0 at Brighton.
