Big Sam's press conference

[Q165]

Johnny Nicholls. Have just been looking at West Bromwich Albion by Peter Morris. I quote

The ‚off‘ was simply this: Barlow was to break up an opposing attack, move a stride or so forward and put that long, through ball played low and to Allen‘s feet. Allen would move back to collect it taking the centre half (or at least one defender) with him, trap the ball, pivot and hit the centre-field gap for Nicholls, racing forward as soon as the ball was played, to take in his stride. Nicholl‘s timing was one of the most important factors, Allen‘s instinct for sliding into the open space almost as necessary, and Barlow‘s sudden projection of the Long low ball from defence *****.
Nicholls, his confidence and ability growing as the season advanced, developed into the greatest goal-poachers in the business as a result of this Albion. move which no other club succeeded in countering...