Sam Allardyce has again been indulging in one of his favourite past times…talking about Newcastle United.
He revealed around a month ago on TalkSPORT that he had been approached by Lee Charnley and Mike Ashley to take over from Rafa Benitez, but claimed he turned the offer down.
This week, he’s now told Sky Sports that Bruce was a ‘better fit’ for the job, stating that the the role ‘wasn’t for him’ – despite being ‘very chuffed’ by Mike Ashley’s approach:
“Newcastle wasn’t for me,”
“I was very chuffed that Mike [Ashley] considered me again but I felt that Brucey was a better fit than me and good luck to him”
“It is his dream move to manage his home town club and I wish him well. It was the only thing that came up this summer.”
Sounds very noble of him.
Turning a job down because he felt it was more beneficial for the club, whilst helping a mate fulfil a dream. Let’s be honest, that probably isn’t true is it? It’s a very diplomatic answer, but also absolute nonsense if you ask me.
Allardyce may be a lot of things but he isn’t stupid. He knew what Bruce would be walking into, the restraints he’d be working under and how the fans would react to his appointment. Also, going back to work for someone who has fired you in the past would make anyone think twice.
After Allardyce’s initial quotes a month or so ago, I found myself wondering who would I rather have, Big Sam or Bruce.
All I can say is I would be more confident about staying up under Allardyce.
