Ex Bolton and Southampton striker Kevin Davies believes the retirement of Sam Allardyce from the Premier League touchlines is somewhat premature and the lure of football is ‘like a drug’ to his former boss.
“Having spent a lot of time with him when I played under him and I still see him out and about I’d be surprised if he doesn’t manage again. He wants a bit of quality time with the family and he feels like he’s sacrificed a lot with his wife and kids and grandkids. He had the episode with England that would have affected him quite a lot but he came back with Palace and did really well.”
“He is probably enjoying himself now, doing a bit of travelling and media here and there, but he’s one of those guys who needs it; it’s like a drug to him. You see Harry Redknapp over at Birmingham, he can’t leave it alone, and it wouldn’t surprise me if Big Sam does the same after some time out. I remember when the call came from Sunderland his wife was saying ‘I think you’ve had your time’ but he just couldn’t resist it and there is always going to be an opportunity in football.”
Davies, speaking exclusively to 888sport, also insists that Big Sam’s reputation as a relegation firefighter does not do justice to a coach who steered the Trotters to a top six finish when the forward was there.
“He will be the name at the top of any list of clubs that are struggling and he’s now got that tag but he’s a lot more than that. He’s one of the best managers I’ve worked with.”
Read the full 888sport interview with Kevin Davies, including his thoughts on Bolton’s return to the Championship.
