Fourth-bottom Leeds are only outside of the division’s drop zone on goal difference following Sunday’s 4-1 defeat at Bournemouth in interim head coach Javi Gracia’s 11th league game in charge. With just four games left, Leeds are now expected to announce the appointment of Allardyce on a short-term deal until the end of the season, replacing Gracia in the dug out. But can ‘Big Sam’ do it again?
Here, we run through Allardyce’s survival record and his managerial history in full, from Blackpool al the way through to West Brom. Leeds are back in action this weekend with a Saturday afternoon trip to long odds-on title favourites Manchester City.
7. Sunderland
Position when appointed: 19th in Premier League in October 2015. Position when left: 12th in Premier League in May 2016. Summary: The Black Cats had bagged just three points from their opening eight games before the arrival of Allardyce who led the side to safety via a 17th-placed finish, finishing two points above the drop zone. The England job was next. Photo: GRAHAM STUART
8. Crystal Palace
Position when appointed: 17th in Premier League in December 2016. Position when left: 14th in Premier League in May 2017 (season over). Summary: The Eagles were just one point above the drop zone upon Allardyce's appointment two days before Christmas of 2016 but the South London side went on to seal a 14th-placed finish, ensuring their survival with a game to go. Photo: Richard Heathcote
9. Everton
Position when appointed: 13th in Premier League in November 2017. Position when left: 14th in Premier League in May 2017 (season over). Summary: Everton were 13th by the time Allardyce got the call but former boss Ronald Koeman had left the side in 19th place before David Unsworth took the next five games in caretaker charge. With Wayne Rooney netting ten times, Allardyce steered the Toffees to an eighth-placed finish. Photo: PAUL ELLIS
10. West Brom
Position when appointed:19th in Premier League in December 2020. Position when left: 19th in Premier League in May 2020 (season over). Summary: The Baggies were second-bottom and three points from safety having amassed just seven points from their first 13 games of the season under promotion-winning boss Slaven Bilic. But the task to keep West Brom up proved a bridge too far even for Allardyce whose side went down with 26 points for the only Premier League relegation of Allardyce's managerial career. He has only ever been relegated twice, the first time being with Notts County from the old Division Two to Three. Allardyce has had three promotions, with Notts County, Bolton and West Ham which all arrived at the first attempt. He was also promoted with Limerick as player/manager in 1992. Photo: DAVE ROGERS