SM
Real Sociedad vs. Real Madrid: 20 hrs 37 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews

A look at the issues facing West Bromwich Albion boss Sam Allardyce

:Headline: A look at the issues facing West Bromwich Albion boss Sam Allardyce: ID:426784: from db_amp
Sam Allardyce has returned to management after two-and-a-half years.

Sam Allardyce has been appointed West Brom's new head coach on an 18-month contract after the sacking of Slaven Bilic on Wednesday.

Here, the PA news agency looks at what the new Baggies boss needs to tackle.

Keep Albion in the Premier League

The Baggies won promotion under Slaven Bilic last season (Nick Potts/PA)

Top-flight survival is ultimately the reason why the Baggies decided to sack Bilic and appoint Allardyce. Bilic garnered sympathy as he was working with a squad which lacks serious Premier League quality and pedigree and Allardyce must find an extra gear.

Tighten up the defence

Baggies goalkeeper Sam Johnstone earned a point at Manchester City (Michael Regan/PA)

The Baggies have conceded the most goals in the Premier League – 26 – this season. Sam Johnstone's stunning performance helped them to a surprise 1-1 draw at Manchester City in Bilic's last game but they cannot rely on the goalkeeper to deny all comers. Albion have kept two clean sheets this season but Allardyce will need to drill more discipline into them.

Work with the board

Ahmed Hegazi was sold against Bilic's wishes (Bradley Collyer/PA)

Bilic was upset Ahmed Hegazi was sold to Al-Ittihad against his wishes in October and his relationship with the Albion hierarchy was fractious. There was a gap between the management and the board and Allardyce must bridge it to ensure a more harmonious camp.

Convince January reinforcements to join

Allardyce must work within a tight budget in January (Carl Markham/PA)

Albion have gone for a fire-fighting appointment and Allardyce has only got an 18-month deal, making it more difficult to sell a serious long-term plan. The club went over their modest £20million budget in the summer so money will be tight for anyone Allardyce wants. Also, given their position, any player who joins must understand they are likely to be in the Championship next season.

amp_article__426784 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2020-12-16 17:44:33:
html db last update - 2021-03-10 00:54:43 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html
Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Leicester CityLeicester443041086394794
2Leeds UnitedLeeds44279880374390
3Ipswich TownIpswich432611685533289
4Southampton442591085612484
5West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom4420121267442372
6Norwich CityNorwich442191477611672
7Hull City441912136556969
8Coventry CityCoventry4317121468551363
9Middlesbrough44189176460463
10Preston North EndPreston44189175661-563
11Cardiff CityCardiff44195205061-1162
12Bristol City441611175147459
13Sunderland44168205251156
14Swansea CitySwansea441511185762-556
15Watford441217155958153
16Millwall441411194355-1253
17Stoke CityStoke441311204460-1650
18Queens Park RangersQPR441311204157-1650
19Blackburn RoversBlackburn441310215874-1649
20Plymouth ArgylePlymouth441212205869-1148
21Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds44138233968-2947
22Birmingham CityBirmingham441210224864-1646
23Huddersfield TownHuddersfield44917184774-2744
RRotherham UnitedRotherham44412283285-5324
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .