02 Dec 2017 20:21:56
I won't pretend I've ever been a big fan of Sam Allardyce over the years but his tactics today did work for us. We looked stronger and more organised at the back than we have done all season and the players in general looked more confident and assured. If we can keep this up and improve further I may be in danger of starting to warm to the man.

As for his second in command Sammy Lee, I won't beat around the bush; I didn't like him as a player, and again have never been a fan of him as a coach. However today I saw a side of Sammy Lee I've probably missed over the years.
On the way to the game I read his recent comments where he questioned why some Evertonians are bitter towards him and then explained how he fell out with the rs after they treated him badly while he was a coach there, ending with him saying Everton are the people's club and always have been.
I treated those comments with some disdain, initially thinking of them as the words of a man who wants to be accepted by his new employers.
My stance was however softened somewhat by his attitude in the touchline this afternoon.

For the entire game he was on his feet, shouting and screaming, challenging every decision that went against us and cajoling the opposition' bench, at one point I thought he was going to have a straightener with Wagner.
To then watch him with the subs, winding up and encouraging the ongoing subs up as they went on and hugging and congratulating the off coming players as they left the pitch made me consider how professional he may be as a coach.
Please don't get me wrong, I'm not suddenly starting a Sammy Lee fan club but I have again softened my opinion of him.

1.) 02 Dec 2017
02 Dec 2017 20:38:46
Excellent post mate I watched Sammy Lee as well on the touchline getting a bollo from the for yelling or whatever which he and Big Sam did very vocal both of them completely different from Koeman and his deadpan image, if this is the start then I want to be here for the ride.

2.) 02 Dec 2017
02 Dec 2017 20:57:15
Good post mate, these guys are professionals and are here to do well achieve and win!

3.) 02 Dec 2017
02 Dec 2017 22:27:20
The thing I noticed was how Big Sam, Little Sam and Shakespear appear to enjoy working with each other, all 3 of them were in full communication with each throughout the game. Also how the 2 Sams gave the players a lot of respect whilst still showing them who is in charge.

Still got a long way to go but the improvements were very refreshing to watch.