Sam Allardyce was the epitome of a journeyman professional footballer turned manager.
After a spell coaching Preston North End’s youth team, the former centre-half moved to Blackpool where he narrowly missed out on leading the The Tangerines to the second tier of English football.
It was Bolton, however, where his reputation was sealed.
Allardyce secured promotion to the Premier League, a place in the old Uefa Cup, and the final of the League Cup.
Perhaps in contrast to his gruff, no-nonsense public persona, Allardyce was a real pioneer in the use of data, diet and hi-tech training facilities.
He was shrewd in the transfer business, with skilful stars like Jay Jay Okocha and Ivan Campo idolised by Wanderers fans.
After less successful spells at Newcastle and Blackburn, Allardyce returned West Ham to the Premier League and saved his old club Sunderland from relegation before he accepted the role of England manager.