Big Sam was a Wolves supporter
Big Sam Allardyce has revealed his boyhood support for Wolves as a North Bank regular – and admitted the club he grew up watching turned him down as a youngster.
The Blackburn boss is desperate to put on over his former gold and black heroes tomorrow to kickstart Rovers' season after one point and one goal so far.
But in the build-up to tomorrow's game, the Ewood boss – born in Dudley in the year of Wolves' first League title success, 1954 – couldn't resist a trip down memory lane.
He said: "It's just down the road from Dudley where I was born and I followed them as a schoolboy. 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 will be going all out with Mick McCarthy to try to stay there.
"But from our point of view, it's about making sure they're disappointed tomorrow."
Allardyce believes the team spirit of McCarthy's young and hungry brigade that helped carry them to the Championship title will make them a difficult proposition.
He said: "Wolves have made a good start to the season. We would love to have the points they have at the moment.
"I think getting their first win away from home at Wigan so early in the season was very important, it can act as a big confidence booster to a newly promoted side – to any side.
"They drew with Hull as well and it's been a reasonable start. I know they're suffering with a few injuries, but we all seem to be these days more than ever before.
"I just think they have some real enthusiasm and team spirit at the moment. Having won promotion last season that spirit has just grown among the squad and will get them through a lot of games early on this season.
"A lot of players will have been looking forward to the experience of playing in the Premier League. That enthusiasm can see them through for a while and will stand them in good stead for the season."
From Allardyce's point of view, the former Bolton and Newcastle chief declared the game a 'must-win'.
He said: "It's more important than anything else now. We've had performances with no results, apart from the draw against West Ham.
"What we must do is get the performance with the result, and that needs to be the win – and if we can't get the performance, just win, get three points on the board, which will settle us all down."
Sections of the Ewood Park faithful made their displeasure known in a more methodical display against West Ham, but Allardyce insists there were mitigating circumstances.
He said: "They pay their money, they can express whatever opinion they feel they need to based on what has turned up.
"But you have to bear in mind that it was a very hot day, and both teams had played in very competitive Carling Cup ties during the week."
