Wolves could have signed Big Sam
Saturday 24th April 2010, 11:14AM BST.
Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce has revealed his boyhood club passed on the chance to sign him as a youngster.
Dudley-born Allardyce was a North Bank regular growing up in the Black Country.
Now 55, the one-time former Albion player-coach watched heroes such as Derek Dougan and Peter Knowles in the late 1960s.
But rejection by Wolves saw the young Allardyce snapped up by Bolton in 1973 where he became a feared centre-back over many years, in the mould of Molineux boss Mick McCarthy. Despite his rejection as a player in the ’60s, Alllardyce retains fond memories of Wolves.
“It’s just down the road from Dudley where I was born and I followed them as a schoolboy,” said Allardyce. “I had the opportunity to train there, but they never thought I was good enough. I still always looked to see their results though and was an avid follower on the North Bank in my younger days.
“It’s good to see them back in the Premier League, where all the Wolves fans have always felt they belonged, and this time they have gone all out with Mick (McCarthy) to stay there.
“But from our point of view, it’s about making sure they’re disappointed.”
Allardyce believes the team spirit that galvanised Wolves and helped them to the Championship title has stood them in good stead this time. “I just think they have some real enthusiasm and team spirit.
“Having won promotion last season that spirit has just grown among the squad and has maybe got them through a lot of games this season.
“A lot of players would have been looking forward to the Premier League. That enthusiasm saw them through for a while and stood them in good stead for the season.”
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