Blackburn Rovers assistant: Sam can take credit for Bolton Wanderers win (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Blackburn Rovers assistant: Sam can take credit for Bolton Wanderers win

9:45am Monday 23rd November 2009

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By Andy Cryer »

ROVERS assistant boss Neil McDonald insists it was Sam Allardyce’s tactics ‘that won it’ – after taking the reins at the 11th hour at the Reebok Stadium.

McDonald was informed of the extent of Allardyce’s heart problems early on Saturday morning, just before the squad were informed of Big Sam’s absence in yesterday’s Premier League clash.

Allardyce still selected the team though and delivered a team talk, but was forced to watch the match from home after instructions from the doctors.

David Dunn and a Sam Ricketts own goal ended Rovers’ away misery and produced the perfect tonic for their boss.

McDonald said: “Sam has said he will miss the next three games.

"He is preparing himself for an operation on Friday and he is sure he will be back the week after.

“For a manager not to be there was quite strange. What we said was he is not here but we know our job and we have to take responsibility.

"We are all professionals and hopefully we have put a smile on his face and taken some of the stress away.

“Hopefully we have helped him to recover a little quicker, knowing his team is doing well. They were Sam’s tactics.

“I wasn’t aware of this until I got the phone call. He is a person who looks after himself anyway.

"He has always had check-ups and he is in good health, because of the stress of the job.

“Luckily they found it very quickly, I have been told it is a routine operation so he should be back fighting very soon – which is great for everyone.

“We had a game plan and kept to the game plan. We created lots of changes and stuck to the plan that was set out by the manager.”

Rovers travel to Fulham on Wednesday sitting in 11th in the Premier League, boosted by avoiding equalling their record 11 straight away defeats set in 1965/66.

“We are really pleased,” said McDonald. “The performance was what everyone wanted and we kept a clean sheet in the process as well, that was an extra bonus.

“Everyone played at the top of their game, and hopefully we have got rid of our clean sheet hoodoo, which was obviously very, very poor.

"We have worked hard to change it and we gave ourselves a good chance today.

“I thought the defence were tremendous, as was the whole defence.

"That win showed the desire of the players, after three very difficult away games.

"There was that determination to keep a clean sheet as well.”

While delighted with everyone’s display, McDonald saved special praise for Rovers’ rejuvenated midfielder David Dunn after his sixth goal of the season capped another memorable individual display.

McDonald said: “David Dunn was absolute fantastic, especially in possession.

"He is working hard on the other side of his game.

“His goal was fantastic and he showed how fit he is.

“He ran from the edge of his own box to support our attacking players and showed fantastic composure for the goal.”

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