'Disgusting!': Ex-Sunderland and Newcastle United manager Sam Allardyce delivers extraordinary interview after West Brom exit confirmed

Sam Allardyce delivered an extraordinary interview defending his playing style – after his exit from West Brom was announced.
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The former Sunderland and Newcastle United manager was unable to steer the Baggies to Premier League safety this term, and Allardyce will depart at the end of the campaign as the club prepare for life in the Championship.

But shortly after his departure was confirmed – the new of which came after a 3-1 defeat to West Ham – Allardyce launched into a passionate defence of his playing style on Sky Sports.

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His rebuttal was sparked by comments from Hammers forward Michail Antonio, who said to Sky: “They played some free-flowing football. Some big guys, hitting the channel, you know how Sam always plays.”

Sam AllardyceSam Allardyce
Sam Allardyce

Allardyce wasn’t pleased with those remarks – and branded them ‘disgusting’.

"Michail Antonio's statement I just heard, saying 'we've just got big men that play in the channels', he's just insulted me and my team,” said the former England manager.

"I know he's a nice lad but it was disgusting what he said. I think he should go back and watch the game to see how we really played.

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"Our front two are 5ft 10in and 5ft 9in, I don't know what big men he saw running into channels.

"I've been more than 'Mr Short Term' for the last six or seven years, that's what all you lot talk about. It's just like Antonio said, we're 'long ball'.

"I've never played long ball at any club I've been at. If you thought that was long ball, then you are deluded."

Commenting on his decision to leave West Brom Allardyce added: “For me, it is a long-term prospect for somebody more than me.

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"I am, as you always say, a man that comes and saves a club, a man who is short term. I am happy with that. That is my life for the last few years.

"I think it needs someone to take the club by the scruff of the neck and take them up. I thank the club for the opportunity to stay and I'd like to thank the fans cheering us on tonight.”

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