YOUTH DRILLS PLAYER SEARCH PSYCHOLOGY INTERVIEWS LINKS
An Interview with.................................

Sam Allardyce

Q1. Which Major Changes do you feel have taken place in English football over the past 10 years?

The amount of money that has come into the game (SKY money), the media attention, the forming of the premier league and the extension of the European championships. From a playing point of view, the fitness levels and athleticism a footballer needs in today's game. 
Q2. What do you think our young players should work on, to develop in the game today?

Our young players should be given more time off school in terms of missing a couple of unimportant curriculum's, to concentrate on training at football clubs. This would then develop their skills a lot quicker and a lot sooner, so that when they come into a professional football club fulltime, they are more advanced than they are now.
Q3. Do you have a preferred playing system?

Yes, I do. A straight back four, three central midfield players, one central striker and two wide players.
Q4. Have you been influenced in your coaching career?

Yes, in many areas. Through the managers and coaches i have had throughout my own career, which spans over 20 years, and also reading coaching manuals, using the internet and attending football association coaching seminars.
Q5. Has this changed your philosophy on playing the game?

 No, my early teachers taught me the basics of football, which has never changed, even now, since I was the age of 15.
Q6. What is your philosophy on playing the game? 
To be able to move the ball one and two touch, as quickly and as soon as possible, up to the opposing 18 yard box. Working to get behind the defence to cross balls, then asking players to attack the ball in the box.
Q7. What role does sports psychology play in your preparation?

 A big part in our preparation, he works with us on a day to day basis throughout the season.
Q8. Who is the most talented player you have coached and why?

 Paul Warhurst. He has a full range of talent. He can head the ball, he can pass the ball with both feet, short and long, he can tackle and he has good vision. He's a good athlete and his overall game is excellent.
Q9. Who is the funniest and why?

John McGrath, my old manager, who has now unfortunately died. He gave the funniest team talks I had ever heard, but always made his point. 
Q10. What is your worry, if any, on football today?

 The amount of money that is going out of the game and the escalating wages that are making things for teams like ours very difficult to compete with the big boys.
Q11. If football vanished, what would you become?

I'm not sure, but I think I would have ventured into some business, as I enjoy living on the edge.
Q12. What is your dream?

 To keep Bolton Wanderers in the Premiership, and build an Academy at the club as best I can to match Manchester United.
Q13. What are your three favourite practices that you use with your players?
The first practice would be one of my favourites, which is crossing and finishing. The second practice would be keep ball, building up to  a small sided game, starting at 1 V 1, building up to 2 v 2, 3 v 3, 4 v 4, probably up to a maximum of 8 v 8. The final practice is attacking team play, 11 V 6.
Congratulations to Sam, his staff and his players on promotion to the Premier league. A special thank you for doing this interview. Good luck in future management.