Sam Allardyce, affectionately known as “Big Sam,” was a coaching legend in the Premier League, especially beloved during his time at Blackburn Rovers. His popularity stemmed not just from his coaching methods, but also from his genuine human connection with his players.
A fantastic anecdote illustrating Allardyce’s unique character comes from former Blackburn left-back Stephen Warnock, recounting the infamous “Croatian drinking session” during a pre-season tour.
“After 10 days in Italy, we were scheduled for a match in Croatia, all to be done in a single day: fly in, play the game, and fly back home,” Warnock shared with Under the Cosh some years ago.
“We loaded onto a private jet in Italy, gear and all, only to be told we were too heavy and needed another plane. This was on a Sunday, so reaching the chairman was impossible. That’s when Sam stepped in, declaring, ‘Alright, I’ll pay for it.’ He pulled out his credit card and shelled out £40,000, assuring us he’d get reimbursed later.”
“This match was non-negotiable, pre-arranged and all. On the flight over, Sam approached me, Ryan Nelsen, and André Ooijer. He leaned in and said, ‘Tonight we’re having a drink. See if you can sort something out in Croatia.'”
“We started texting anyone we knew. Ooijer, connecting with a Dutch player in Croatia, got us the perfect spot.
“We drew the game 0-0. Sam’s next instruction was clear: ‘Everyone in the bar, 10 minutes after we’re back at the hotel. No excuses, or you’re fined.'”
“He was adamant: ‘This is my decision! You have to be there. I don’t care if it’s for 10 minutes, 30 minutes. You’re all coming down together for a drink.’
“We agreed and headed down. The bar was massive, overflowing with beers and shots. Sam was already there, waiting. Then came his next command: ‘You’ve got 10 minutes to drink all this. Taxis are lined up outside, paid for, and they know where to take you. I’ll meet you there.’
“We piled in, and they whisked us off to a nightclub. The place was incredible, with beds and even pools around the dance floor. We found our table, and there was Sam, right in the middle of it all, dancing away. It was an epic night.”
“At one point, he turned to me and Ryan Nelsen and asked, ‘Which of you two is more sober and trustworthy?’ When I asked why, he simply said, ‘Here’s my credit card, and the PIN. Order whatever you want.'”
“The next morning, every single player was buzzing. And then, he sent flowers and cards to our partners, apologizing for our two-week absence from home. He understood the toll it took on our families and kids.”
“An absolutely incredible man!”
Stephen Warnock, a product of Liverpool’s academy, was even part of the squad that famously won the Champions League in Istanbul in 2005, though he made only four appearances. His career also included spells at various other English clubs before he retired at Burton Albion in 2018.