Davies: Sam's the man to bring success

Dec 16 2007 by Neil Farrington, Sunday Sun

AS a man who laid hands on Newcastle’s last silverware and an eye on Bolton’s progress in more recent years, Wyn Davies is a good judge of Sam Allardyce’s chances of bringing trophies back to Tyneside.

And the verdict of “The Leap” – former scourge of centre-halves in a black and white shirt but a long-time resident of Bolton – is unequivocal . . .

Big Sam’s the man for United.

Many on Tyneside are unconvinced by Allardyce’s ability to restore Newcastle to long-ago former glories.

But, having seen Bolton blossom under the Black Country boy, Davies (right) is predicting spectacular success for him at St James’s.

And the Fairs Cup hero has put his money where his mouth is

“Sam Allardyce will regain that special mark of European distinction for Newcastle and prove to be the club’s greatest manager since Joe Harvey,” Davies told the Sunday Sun.

“I’ve even had a bet with the bookies at 500-1 that Newcastle will finish in the top two this season, and while the odds will get progressively lower each year while Sam is in charge, I will have the same bet every year from now onwards until I collect.

“Quite simply, Sam Allardyce is more worthy of respect than any other manager I could name.”

High praise coming from a man who, as a veteran of United’s 6-2 aggregate Fairs Cup final victory over Ujpest Dozsa in 1969 now drawing his pension, knows just how long Geordie fans have yearned success.

Davies just wants them to stay patient a little while longer.

“Any new manager needs time to get bedded down at any club, and you don’t get non-stop runs of success without setbacks or dips in form,” added the “Mighty” Wyn, now 65.

“But the stimulation Allardyce gave to the team for the Arsenal game last week showed what the future holds now for the club under him.

“I bet that of all the games the club have played since Joe Harvey retired, the great man would have ranked that performance, commitment and closing down of the opposition, as the best.”