...on a cloudy day on holiday turned to Sam Allardyce's autobiography...'Big Sam'.
Surprisingly good read. Never realised how close Colin Addison was to bringing him to Derby, or that the only player he claims to have intentionally hurt was Mick Harford, one of the nastiest and most arrogant players to have ever pulled on a Derby shirt imo.
Written just after he 'left' West Ham but before he got the England job, Allardyce has more time than might be expected for 'flair' players and complete contempt for the type of hoofball advocated by the likes of John Beck. He also tells some good tales about how difficult it was for youngsters making their way in the game on the princely sum of £4 per week. We seem, as with so many things, to have 'chucked the baby out with the bathwater' on that one. Anyway, if you're into such things and at a loose end, it's an interesting, entertaining and highly recommended read.
