Sam Allardyce’s managerial methods have a tried-and-tested record for keeping teams in the Premier League, so when the new Sunderland manager started delivering tactical instructions to his players this week, he found himself preaching to the converted.
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As soon as I was appointed [West Ham] manager in 2011, the big debate was whether I would follow the “West Ham way”, which nobody could define, but, whatever it was, I apparently didn’t play it.
Tomkins, 26, has spent his entire professional career at West Ham, coming through the ranks at the academy before making his first-team debut in 2008.
The value in backing an away win is further enhanced when one accounts for the fact that Sunderland have won seven of their last 11 against West Brom and the sides drew home and away last season.
The new Black Cats boss takes charge of his first game this afternoon, as the Wearsiders head to West Bromwich Albion.
He could stay at Sunderland and hope to break through under the new stewardship of Sam Allardyce or he could make the drop down to the Sky Bet Championship like so many player’s before him, and receive plenty of competitive playing experience that could potentially revolutionise his development. “If we can get that right, we have a good chance of winning“.
Defoe, 33, returned to the Premier League in January after a stint with Major League Soccer’s Toronto FC, but has not made much of an impact, scoring six goals in 23 league starts for Sunderland.
“The challenge is a big one but I’m a big man and I like a challenge so I’m looking forward to getting my feet under the table, understanding everybody and how they work”.
But speaking exclusively to Sky Sports reporter Aidan Magee, he said his addiction to football meant he had to get back in the game.
Allardyce has indicated that his first aim is to shore up the side defensively, so don’t expect a free-flowing game full of goals.
Last season’s champions Chelsea find themselves just three places above Sunderland in 16th and owner Roman Abramovich was moved to publicly back manager Jose Mourinho after their fourth league loss of the season against Southampton.
With Dick Advocaat leaving Sunderland, the pressure is on for Sam Allardyce to resolve their season and keep them in the top flight.
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Saido Berahino and Salomon Rondon are the only forwards who have scored a goal for West Brom, combining for three.
