Sam Allardyce is often caricatured as an old-school football manager who relied on simplicity and pragmatism. Yet long before sports science, data analysis, and marginal gains became buzzwords in English football, Allardyce was quietly redefining how elite teams could be run.
His forward-thinking methods left a lasting impression on many players — including Wayne Rooney, who has revealed how Allardyce influenced his transition from player to manager during their time together at Everton.
Rooney: Learning the Craft Before Retirement
Rooney played under Allardyce at Everton between 2017 and 2018, a period that came late in his playing career but proved formative for his future in coaching.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show podcast, the former England captain explained how his mindset had already shifted toward management.
“At the time I was under Sam, I was older and I knew I wanted to go into coaching,” Rooney said.
“So I was observing him — how he worked, how he managed people, how he made decisions.”
Rather than simply focusing on his own performances, Rooney found himself analysing training sessions, staff roles, and the broader structure of the club — lessons that would later shape his managerial stints at Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle.
How American Football Changed Allardyce’s Thinking
Allardyce’s reputation as a pioneer stems from experiences far removed from English football culture. During the mid-1980s, he spent time playing in the United States with the Tampa Bay Rowdies — and it was there that his outlook changed dramatically.
“A lot of my ideas came from the NFL,” Allardyce explained.
“I went to watch how the NFL teams trained, how many staff they had, and how everything was planned.”
The exposure to American football’s emphasis on preparation, specialisation, and performance analysis inspired Allardyce to experiment relentlessly once he became a manager.
“By the time I got into management, it was all about experimenting,” he said.
“I tested new ideas at every club I worked at.”
Bolton: Ahead of the Curve in Sports Science
Allardyce’s most influential work came during his long spell at Bolton Wanderers from 1999 to 2007. At a time when many English clubs relied almost entirely on tradition, Bolton embraced innovation.
Under Allardyce, the club introduced:
- Advanced sports science
- Data and performance analysis
- Tailored nutrition programmes
- Recovery protocols and ice baths
- One of the first cryotherapy units in English football
“I wanted staff who could find something football wasn’t doing yet,” Allardyce said.
“We split departments and gave people responsibility to innovate.”
The result was a club punching well above its weight, qualifying for Europe and competing consistently in the Premier League.
“The Team Behind the Team”
Both Allardyce and Rooney emphasised that success in management depends not only on players, but on the often-overlooked staff working behind the scenes.
Rooney shared a personal story from his time as England captain, highlighting how respect and generosity build unity.
“At the end of one year I paid for all the England staff to go to Las Vegas,” Rooney said.
“Things like that make a massive difference.”
Allardyce echoed the sentiment, describing staff as the “team behind the team”.
“They weren’t on great money, but they gave everything,” he said.
“Players recognising that builds real togetherness.”
The Crucial Role of Player Liaison Officers
Among the most important — and underappreciated — roles, Allardyce believes, are player liaison officers.
“We had one male and one female liaison officer. You can’t imagine how important they were,” he said.
Their responsibilities went far beyond football:
- Housing and mortgages
- Bank accounts and logistics
- Family support
- Emergency travel
- Organising events for players’ children
“They made sure players could focus on football,” Allardyce added.
“Without them, everything becomes harder.”
A Changing Relationship With Club Owners
One area where both men see a clear shift is in the relationship between managers and owners.
Allardyce feels the modern game has created distance, with managers often dealing with intermediaries rather than decision-makers.
“You don’t speak to the owners now — you speak to their employees,” he said.
Recalling his time at Crystal Palace, Allardyce described a fiery but honest exchange with owner Steve Parish after a crucial defeat.
“He stormed into my office shouting. I said, ‘Come on then, tell the players how you feel.’
It was brilliant — that passion matters.”
Rooney: Passion Is Harder to Feel From Afar
Rooney agreed, noting that many modern club owners are based overseas, making genuine relationships more difficult.
“You can speak on the phone, but feeling that passion is different,” Rooney said.
He contrasted that with figures such as:
- Bill Kenwright at Everton
- Simon Hallett at Plymouth Argyle
- Tom Wagner at Birmingham City
“Even when they’re abroad, if they care deeply about the club, it makes a difference,” Rooney added.
Lessons for the Next Generation of Managers
Together, Rooney and Allardyce paint a picture of management rooted in innovation, empathy, and connection — not just tactics.
From embracing sports science before it was fashionable, to valuing staff, building trust, and understanding club culture, their experiences underline that modern football management is as much about people as it is about systems.
For Rooney, still early in his coaching journey, those lessons from an often-misunderstood trailblazer may yet prove invaluable.
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