Over 250 fans gave former manager Sam Allardyce a rousing return to Meadow Lane, helping raise vital funds for Notts County Supporters’ Trust. Accompanied by Ian Hendon, captain of the 1997-98 Championship winning team, the duo answered questions (including one from former Chairman Derek Pavis) on a variety of topics - about their careers, memories from their time at Notts County, as well as issues affecting the national game.

Sam began by stating that whilst he had driven past the ground many times, this was the first time back. He recollected his fondness for the football club that helped his managerial career – having previously been sacked from Blackpool (despite making the play-offs) by a Chairman who was incarcerated at the time! Interestingly, he said that he was close to taking the managerial reign’s years earlier, narrowly beaten to the job by Neil Warnock. Recalling his awful winless sequence at the start of his career, Sam feared that he would be an early casualty, but managed to bounce back (in some style) from relegation to the Third Division with a squad of only eighteen players. He paid tribute to both Ian Hendon and Ian Richardson who were integral members of the close-knit squad, as well as the backroom staff.

Sam then produced a newspaper cutting which documented all the records broken during the Championship winning season. The list of achievements gave some indication of just how special the 97-98 campaign was, evoking memories of the 5-3 win at Lincoln, the 5-2 victory at Exeter (more on that later) and the win against Leyton Orient that secured the title in March.

Ian Hendon, now skipper at Conference side Barnet, commented that whilst he had played for numerous managers, Sam’s resounding trait was his honesty – something that was rare in today’s game. With regards memorable players he had played with, Hendo singled out Barnet striker Gratzioli and former Magpies’ winger, Steve Finnan.

Sam commented that it was a testing time being in charge at Notts County, as he was under constant pressure from the Chairman to sell players and balance the books. Allardyce sold the likes of Peter Kennedy, Shaun Derry, Steve Finnan, and Jermaine Pennant – transfers which brought in crucial revenue for the club. Post-Bosman, he remarked, the transfer market has stagnated, lower league clubs can no longer depend on transfer money to survive, whilst wages have escalated. “It is more difficult to run the club now than it was then” observed Sam.

When asked to predict where Notts County would be had he not left, Sam found it difficult to answer given the unpredictable nature of football. “I think we would have made the play-offs, but who knows what might have happened. I could have been sacked, or won promotion” illustrating the fine line between success and failure as a manager.

A later question, on a similar vein, asked whether his departure had contributed to the club’s downfall. This Sam refuted, arguing that he left Notts County in a healthy state, occupying top spot and building an effective team on a shoestring.

Returning once more to the Championship winning season, Sam singled out a few games that brought him particular pleasure, recalling the 5-2 victory at Exeter City. The game was on a Tuesday night, following on a difficult game at a snowy Macclesfield (‘it was like a rugby pitch’ commented Hendo) on the Saturday. Sam asked Derek Pavis to finance an overnight stay for the players to enable them to prepare properly for the game. Pavis refused, but eventually relented after Sam and the players had a whip-round to help pay the bill. Sam recalled telling the players that they couldn’t lose as Pavis would never allow another overnight stay, and having a massive grin when the team went 3-0 up after half an hour, knowing that ‘the Chairman would be gutted!’

The best game however, in his opinion was the home victory against the O’s, which clinched the Championship. That season the 18-man squad had to overcome a number of obstacles, but bonded well as a unit and remained committed and ‘in the zone’.

One of the questions from the floor came from Derek Pavis who asked Sam about the pre-season trip to Thailand and Brunei, which was arranged by Reg Brealey. Sam jokingly said that if Brealey had bought Notts it would have been “Notts without Sam Allardyce”, and that Brealey had told the club he was a personal friend of the Sultan of Brunei, and yet club officials got no further than the palace gates.

Turning attention to the current Notts team, Sam confirmed that Kelvin Wilson had been attracting interest in the Premier League, and his assistant manager had been to see him play. Passing comment on Ian Richardson (who was also present) Ian Hendon said that Ricco was a leader on the pitch, and he would make a good manager. Sam meanwhile said that the job of player-manager was virtually impossible. It was crucial to have the backing of the directors as well as the backroom staff. He remarked that Ricco had to be strong enough to make the right decisions, but ultimately the only thing that matters is results.

Sam wished Ricco all the best, saying that he was on the end of the phone if he wanted any advice. He commented that he had tried to help with loan signings and that with determination Ian can go all the way as a manager.

Whilst most of the questions evoked Championship nostalgia (albeit from only 8 years ago) Sam was quizzed on a host of issues including referees, the national team, football finances, foreign managers, and Bolton Wanderers. As one of the countries’ top managers, Sam said it would be a huge honour to be considered for the England managers’ job, but remarked that given the pressures associated with the role, he was unsure it would be fair on his family.

On the subject of foreign managers and their contribution to the English game, he joked that all Arsene Wenger had brought was moaning! Sam commented that it was currently fashionable to look to managers from overseas, not because they are better coaches but because of their knowledge of other countries and available players. He joked that he wouldn’t get one of the top managerial jobs ‘unless I change my name to Sam Allardici!’

Sam said that he learnt most from George Taylor, the youth coach at Bolton when he was a player. George was an old fashioned ‘tracksuit coach’ and taught Sam the basics. The other influential figure was Ian Greaves, who was skilled in getting players to work as a team and play to their strengths. Interestingly, Sam commented that he had watched a number of top national managers and coaches, and whilst they might do things in a slightly different, sometimes more complex way, that he hadn’t learnt anything new.

On the subject of Bolton, Sam conceded that forth spot in the Premier League was ‘beyond us’ but a top seven finish was realistic, and would secure a place in the UEFA Cup for the first time in Bolton’s history. Sam defended his stance on playing ‘under strength’ teams in the FA Cup, saying that he was only acting on the directive of the owners – namely, stay in the Premier League at all costs. This year the squad is stronger, and Bolton are able to compete (they are through to the quarter finals).

All in all, it was a hugely entertaining evening of Championship-season nostalgia, with interesting thoughts on the modern game, and more than a few laughs. The Supporters Trust would like to say a big thank you to Sam Allardyce (and agent Mark Curtis) and Ian Hendon, as well as compere Colin Slater who was on excellent form, for a memorable event. Thanks also to everyone that attended – your support is much appreciated and to the Club staff who helped the evening run smoothly.

Some photos from the evening are now in Gallery Section of the website.

A great fun evening! Big Sam you rule!!