New Black Cats boss Sam Allardyce up for Sunderland ‘challenge’

Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce has described the ‘challenge’ of saving the Black Cats from Premier League relegation as “something I need” at his official unveiling on Wearside.

Big Sam, who is 11/4 with Coral (shortened from 7/2) to keep the Stadium of Light side up, faces a first home game in charge in front of the Sky Sports cameras on Sunday, October 25th against bitter Tyneside rivals and former club Newcastle United.

“It is in my blood,” said Allardyce of coaching. “The challenge is something I need, part of the challenge. Waking up and coming in here, it’s not work really. It is almost an addiction.”

Returning to management less than five months after being told his contract at West Ham United would not be renewed, despite getting them back into and stabilising them in the Premier League, 60-year-old Big Sam believes he has time on his side to turn Sunderland’s fortunes around with 30 matches remaining. Read more about Allardyce’s appointment.

“It is a big challenge,” he continued. “Even at this early stage of the season, it is clear we are in trouble. The fact that we have 30 games will be as important as anything else, because it may take the vast majority of them to get safe on the basis that it can take such a long time to catch up.”

Beginning his Black Cats tenure with a trip to West Bromwich Albion, that match and then derby day present the perfect opportunity for Allardyce to get onside with Mackems. Life would look a lot better with six points from his opening two matches.