Big Sam tells us how to play football

[Jeff Mansfield]

"Allardyce changed at half-time from a blunt 4-2-3-1 formation which left Stewart Downing and Enner Valencia in wide positions to a sharp diamond in which they were central. "Changing the shape was the big thing, and playing forward quicker," he explained.

"All this tippy-tappy stuff, everybody going on about the right way to play football, it's all a load of old bollocks. Getting the ball into the box quickly and with quality is the best way forward. That's what we did [in the] second half and that's why we won the game.""

So what are we doing wrong?

Quality*

[The Bob Banker Spanker]

Changing formation
Having quality
Getting into the box

[surge]

Presumably he means more than the ball moving forward quickly.

[Norfolk Bluebird]

To play tip tappy football requires you to have possession - don't think we can claim that

Another area we're not good at, is getting the ball into the box let alone quickly

The best thing we could do at this moment in time is turn up for both halves, as against Norwich at CCS we went walkabouts in the 2nd and at their gaff it sounds like we were still waiting to get off the coach for the 1st - 7 goals conceded Norwich must want to play us every week.

BTW managed to avoid Norwich fans so far but my luck must be running out

[old blue]

To play tip tappy football requires you to have possession - don't think we can claim that

Well our first goal Saturday could be described as getting the ball in the box quickly and with quality but you're right it don't happen that regular.

[The Penguin]

"Allardyce changed at half-time from a blunt 4-2-3-1 formation which left Stewart Downing and Enner Valencia in wide positions to a sharp diamond in which they were central. "Changing the shape was the big thing, and playing forward quicker," he explained.

You can still play the ball quickly but the big difference is that his players know exactly what he wants and dare not disappoint. Also, i watched some of that and although it was more direct it certainly was not hoof-ball. He says all that about the 'tippy tappy bollocks' but West Ham have been better under him this season and they have played football. On this occasion he changed tactics to suit.

[taff punk]

I was expecting words of wisdom from one of the original 'inner circle', how disappointing.