Have Crystal Palace sourced the right man in Big Sam?

Not so long ago, Sam Allardyce first walked into the Sunderland training ground as the new head-coach down at the Stadium of Light – full of hope and expectation, as well as some much needed optimism for what the future had to offer.

 

Since then, Big Sam subsequently maintained Sunderland’s all-important position among the English top-flight. He was rewarded with the offer of leading England out at the next major international tournament – yet after being fired from the role but a few weeks into his once dream position as manager of the Three Lions national team – Sam Allardyce now returns as the new Crystal Palace boss in the wake of Alan Pardew's recent departure from Selhurst Park.

 

 

Most within the wider English footballing community are keen to see Big Sam return to happier times…

 

Sam Allardyce is the new manager of @CPFC . Let's raise our pint glasses of wine and wish him well.

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) 23 December 2016

 

…and whilst few seemingly feel sorry for Pardew as a result of his pre-Christmas sacking…

 

A £5m pay-off for Pardew; "£4m" for Allardyce to keep Crystal Palace up. English managers thriving in two areas. Severance, and survival.

— Paul Hayward (@_PaulHayward) 24 December 2016

 

…many Premier League onlookers remain happy with Crystal Palace’s latest appointment…

 

Big Sam is a great appointment for #cpfc I wasn't excited about him being England manager but for a club struggling in the prem he's good ?

— James Buckley (@James_Buckley) 23 December 2016

 

After everything that happened with Big Sam after being appointed head-coach of the England national team…

 

In Big Sam, Crystal Palace recognise they are getting some pedigree, who achieved a 100% win rate in his last managerial role

— Pie Sports Booze ? (@piesportsbooze) 23 December 2016

 

…perhaps the former Bolton, Blackburn, Newcastle, West Ham and Sunderland boss is a little lucky to be returning to the English top-flight so rapidly…

 

Big Sam's a lucky man to be getting another job so soon after England debacle – but he's also just what Crystal Palace need. #allardyce

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) 23 December 2016

 

The past few months have certainly represented a time of great uncertainty for Allardyce…

 

What a sight to see Big Sam back managing again, should still be taking us to Moscow

— Danny Holland (@dannyhollandCFC) 24 December 2016

 

…but as Big Sam seemingly knows his way around the Premier League pretty well these days…

 

Good luck to Big Sam at Crystal Palace. Think he will do a great job as he almost always does!

— Martin MJ (@MartinMJ22) 24 December 2016

 

…maybe Crystal Palace have finally taken some positive steps in ensuring their top-flight safety this season!

 

Got there in the end.

It’s been a busy 2016 for Big Sam. pic.twitter.com/8iN65F3zoB

— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) 23 December 2016