Sam Allardyce, widely known as "Big Sam," was born in the council house estate of Old Park Farm in Dudley, England. He is the son of Mary Agnes and Robert Allardyce, both of Scottish descent—his mother from Dumfries and his father from Nairn. His father worked as a police sergeant. Sam has two siblings, Robert Jr. and Mary. He attended Sycamore Green Primary School and later Mons Hill School. Allardyce struggled with dyslexia and did not pass the eleven-plus exam.
He met his future wife, Lynn, while playing for Bolton Wanderers. The couple married in 1974 and have two children, Rachel and Craig.
Allardyce began his professional football career with Bolton Wanderers in 1969 after being signed from Dudley Town. He spent around nine years with the club, making over 200 league appearances. A central defender known for his strength, heading ability, anticipation, and on-field awareness, Allardyce helped Bolton win the Second Division title in the 1977–78 season.
Over his 21-year playing career, he made more than 578 appearances across various competitions. His career included stints with clubs such as Huddersfield Town, Coventry City, Millwall, Sunderland, Tampa Bay Rowdies in the North American Soccer League, and Preston North End. At Preston, he contributed to the club's promotion from the Fourth Division in the 1986–87 season. He also briefly played for West Bromwich Albion and had a spell in the League of Ireland.
Allardyce began his managerial career with Limerick in Ireland in 1991. In his debut season, he led the club to victory in the League of Ireland First Division (1991–92). After returning to England, he worked as a coach at Preston North End and briefly served as a caretaker manager.
His first permanent managerial position in England came with Blackpool in 1994. Though he improved team performances, he was dismissed in 1996 after failing to secure promotion.
| Birth Date: | 19 Oct, 1954 |
| Age: | 65 yrs |
| Citizenship: | United Kingdom |
| Birth Place: | Dudley |
| Education: | University of Bolton |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | Football player and manager |
