Is Big Sam more than just a long ball merchant?

Is Big Sam really just a boring long ball merchant? The Athletic's Michael Cox, Tom Worville and Ali Maxwell gather to look at the stats, the data and the evidence from Sam Allardyce's career in the aim of answering that very question. From his days as a pioneer of Pro-Zone at Bolton, to 'out-tacticing' Jose Mourinho with West Ham, through to his more recent great escapes with Sunderland and Crystal Palace, whatever you think of Big Sam there is certainly a bit more to him than the caricature suggests. All this plus a look at the situation facing him at his new club West Brom as they sit 19th in the Premier League having won just once this season but crucially still only five points from safety. Give the gift of The Athletic this Christmas Subscribe to The Athletic and get a second subscription for free to give to someone as a gift Head to theathletic.com/fplpod to take advantage of this offer now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices