Big Sam: My Autobiography

While 'Big Sam' will always be regarded by some as outmoded, it's refreshing to read a football book that is blunt and to the point. Yes, Sam shoots himself in the foot as early as the opening chapter by claiming West Ham will never finish in the top six, but, in the main, I find a lot of the content in this book is on the money.As much as the Peps of this world are to be respected, I enjoyed reading something more earthy here, something that is still so clearly football orientated but without a lot of the pretention. I admire the fact that no punches are pulled, too, either those aimed at board members or players.All in all, a worthwhile investment of my time.

I know Mr Allardyce and although it is an honest book, The biography seems to make references to some incidents in his career and much about his early days. I think he could probably do a follow up if and when he retires. One difference is he allows the Mrs to tell things for her point of view and her role has a footballers/mangers wife.

Sam has been in football for as long as there's been a ball, or so it seems. He provides a cracking account of his experiences as both player and manager. It's clear that he feels like he's been shafted along the way. This book provides a fascinating insight into the mind set and character of a hugely under rated managerial talent. Once you've read this book you can understand some of the cynicism that Sam now clearly feels for the game. Clubs have done him short in the past and it's time to make amends. A great read for anyone old enough to remember most of Sam's career on the field and off it. One of the very best football books I've read in a long while. Very good.

A very enjoyable and truthful account of his determination to create quality teams by developing the individuals and mostly whilst being provided with little financial support from each clubs OWNERS. He gives you the ups and downs during his time in football and gives credit to the support of his wife and family. For anyone into football that enjoys reading and learning a bit more about the game this book is a must read. Well done Big Sam.

Think I probably bought this book largely due to Big Sam gettin the England gig and then before I'd read the first chapter he'd lost it. Gives it a different feel. Anyway I've got to agree with some fellow reviewers that a bit more about the lower leagues as a player and gaffer would have been really interesting. On the whole his views are forthright but I still expected a bit more controversy. Still very good book. Maybe it was to do with manner of losing England job that has clouded my judgement but he really does seem to mention money a lot.

Read many autobiographies and this is exceptionally well written.Feels like you are having an interesting conversation and the responses are true and comical.Does not get carried away with the usual chapters and you certainly don't have to plough through any parts.From actually not being a fan I feel like I know and understand Sam as well as possible and could probably update the book myself scripting what happened at Sunderland and England.Nice One Sam

Very enjoyable read from one of the game’s larger than life stars. Doesn’t feature the latter few years as written before his time as England boss. Sam is a massive character and I enjoyed the humorous flavour which is carefully integrated in with the more serious stuff.

Downloaded to my Kindle for 99p, not a fan of any of the clubs Sam has managed but I figured with such a long career in the game he'd have some stories to tell. I wasn't wrong, Sam's book reads as you'd imagine it to, he says it as it is and I like that. I've no problem in recommending it and giving it the full five stars.