I know loads of players who have worked with Sam Allardyce and I have never heard any of them say a bad word about him.
People talk about managers who players "want to play for", but what does this actually mean?
There are a few qualities required. First, communicate well; let me know where I stand, be honest.
Second, give respect and responsibility. Don’t create a regime so disciplined that players are constantly worrying about crossing a line; don’t make them feel they’re forever being watched.
Third, have a laugh and a joke with players. Make your training sessions interesting. As far as I’m aware, Sam does all these things.
I was at Blackburn with seven or eight lads who raved about it, and the Bolton boys were the same when he was there.
If Palace stay up, there is no way they will be in trouble next season. He studies the opposition well and always finds weaknesses.
If you get on board with him, there is every chance you will be successful.
WATFORD VS SWANSEA
I like Troy Deeney and it is important for Watford to have characters like him on the pitch. But if he’s in your team, you have to play to his strengths.
You have to get the ball to him early. Give him the chance to hold it up and bring others into the game.
It was surprising to see him left out of the starting XI for Watford’s last game, the 4-0 defeat at Tottenham, and I’d expect him to return this weekend.
Will Watford hold on to Deeney? I hope so, because he epitomises everything that is good about the club.
But he would be useful to other sides in the Premier League - as would Swansea’s Gylfi Sigurdsson.
Sigurdsson produces the goods all the time. He has eight League goals and 11 assists this season in a struggling team.
The Icelander left Tottenham in 2014 but I would suggest that if he were still there, his output would be better than Moussa Sissoko’s or Erik Lamela’s.
He is a nap to stay in the top flight if Swansea go down and I could quite easily see him at Everton.
