Sam Allardyce
Sam Allardyce, who was born at Dudley in October 1954, began his professional football career as an apprentice at Burnden Park, having been spotted whilst playing in his native West Midlands. He soon made his mark in Bolton's Youth team, in a central defensive line-up that also included Paul Jones and Don McAllister, and he chipped in with some useful goals. In November 1973, Allardyce made his League debut for Bolton against Notts County and then spent the remainder of that season as understudy to his former Youth team colleagues. The following season, soon after the departure of McAllister to Tottenham Hotspur. "Big Sam" won a regular place in the Trotters' League team. He thus became a member of the side which won promotion to the First Division in 1978 but both he and the club failed to establish themselves in Division One and, after the Trotters were relegated in 1980, he joined Sunderland for a fee of £150,000. After one season at Roker Park, Allardyce was transferred to Third Division Millwall for £95,000. A spell in the NASL was followed by brief spells at Coventry City and Huddersfield Town before he returned to Burnden Park for £100,000. Alas, injury and loss of form hindered his second Bolton career and in August 1986 he was allowed to join Preston North End on a free transfer. He helped Preston win promotion from Division Four in 1987 and has now made over 450 League appearances since his debut for the Trotters.
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