Big Sam's first press conference: What he said, what he really meant

Updated 25/07/2016 at 17:42 GMT

Sam Allardyce addressed the press on Monday for the first time since his appointment as England manager and, wily media operator that he is, had some good lines up his sleeve.

England manager Sam Allardyce during the press conference

Image credit: Reuters

He was cautious about his immediate hopes and dreams for the national team but started to lay out a road map for change after Roy Hodgson’s miserable end.

He also spent some time trying to deconstruct the preconceptions which have always surrounded a manager who divides opinion.

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There was a lot to get to grips with, but we thought we’d try and read between the lines of some of his best quotes. What did Big Sam really mean to say in his first national address?

Allardyce: I'm tough enough to take it... bring it on

On whether the job is a poisoned chalice

What he said: "Bring it on, hey lads. I'm hardened over many, many years. You toughen yourself for whatever job you take. You take the good with the bad, otherwise you don't do it - don't bother.”

What he really meant: "Please feel free to superimpose my face on the vegetable of your choice – I’m more of a beef pie man anyway."

On waiting 10 years for the job

What he said: "I was good enough then. So I don't know, perhaps it was political, I don't know. There's obviously a different and, without criticising the old regime too much, a much more streamlined FA now. With the development of this site (St George's Park), it's much more forward thinking than it was in 2006."

What he really meant: "I still can’t get over it… Steve McClaren. STEVE. MC. CLAREN. You wouldn’t catch me within 50 yards of an umbrella."

FA chief Executive Martin Glenn, England Manager Sam Allardyce and FA Technical Director Dan Ashworth during the press conference

Image credit: Reuters

On the pressure of playing for England

What he said: “I think the pressure that comes on players, particularly at internationals, that we may look at in a little more depth and see if we can help in any way, shape or form.”

What he really meant: "Expectations will be driven lower than ever."

On England’s shame against Iceland at Euro 2016

What he said: “I wouldn’t suggest this is rock bottom – disappointing but I don’t think it is rock bottom.”

What he meant: "We’ve got Malta at home in the second World Cup qualifier..."

On the reasons for England’s Euro 2016 debacle

What he said: “There was no lack of passion. I don’t see any lack of passion anywhere from players who play for England – loss of form or not performing wasn’t through lack of passion or determination or desire.”

What he really meant: "If you want a proper list: lack of ability, lack of technique, lack of poise, lack of character, lack of backbone. It’s a good amount to be getting on with."

England manager Sam Allardyce during the press conference

Image credit: Reuters

On whether Wayne Rooney will be his captain

What he said: “It is far too early to make predictions in that area. I’m going to leave that until we meet all the players and we get all the coaching staff together behind the scenes and plan for the internationals in September.”

What he really meant: "Hopefully Jose will drop him for Manchester United and make my decision for me. Now, where’s Kevin Nolan’s number?"

On bringing fun back to England

What he said: “The individuals and collectively as a team are very important. The bonding of a team is exceptionally important while we are all together, trying to create a good team spirit and have some fun. The game of football is to be enjoyed and I have enjoyed my life in the game for many years now.”

What he really meant: "Just ask Newcastle and West Ham fans how much fun they had while I was in charge."

On preconceptions about his favoured style

What he said: “Style of play is a tag for me I can’t seem to shake but I played with Jermain Defoe down the middle on his own at 5ft 10’ last year so the style of play that is normally associated with me cannot really be associated with me.”

What he really meant: "If I could have brought Andy Carroll in we might have finished in the top six."

England manager Sam Allardyce during the press conference

Image credit: AFP

On not getting his dues

What he said: "People see me as being able to turn a club around very quickly and I suppose that comes with taking West Ham up, saving Blackburn Rovers and now saving Sunderland. I consider myself to be much more than that but that is the sort of label I've been left with.”

What he really meant: "I really wasn’t joking when I said I’d win the double every year with Real Madrid."

On his former players

What he said: "I’ve managed world class players – Fernando Hierro, Jay-Jay Okocha, Gary Speed, Nicolas Anelka, Youri Djorkaeff and Michael Owen.”

What he really meant: "I've managed world class players - Michael Ricketts, El Hadji-Diouf, Claudio Cacapa, Michael Owen."

On aiming high

What he said: "When it comes to winning no trophies, unfortunately for me as an English manager, I never really got the chance to go right to the very top of the Premier League. You look at what I’ve achieved over years, saving clubs and not being relegated – they’re big achievements and they’re difficult to do.“

What he really meant:" I’ll always get England through the qualifying process, but after that…"