Sam likes knees-ups and bust-ups

18 December 2009 17:02
Reports on Friday morning claimed Spurs players visited bars and a nightclub, despite manager Harry Redknapp's opposition to partying, during a golfing break to Ireland last week.[LNB]Allardyce, whose side face Spurs at Ewood Park on Saturday, claims the whole affair is not even a story.[LNB]"There is nothing wrong with them enjoying a Christmas party," Allardyce said. [LNB]"What our problem is in this country, and not just in football, is that we are all far too politically correct. We are absolutely diabolical.[LNB]"What is wrong with a bit of controversy, what is wrong with a bit of fighting here and there, as long as you have stepped in and know that it is done in the right way, out of frustration and not personal vendettas.[LNB]"This is an emotional game, people get emotional and you want to see an emotional reaction.[LNB]"The trouble with this country is we want people to be angels and then when they go on the field, we want them to be devils. You can't have that.[LNB]"I don't like this country much when it comes to that. It has gone way too far and we should get back to how we used to be. It was much more enjoyable that way.[LNB]"You could have a tiff, you could have a barney and it didn't end up as a controversial subject in the papers with 'Ban him, stop him playing again', all that sort of rubbish that goes on today.[LNB]"But I ain't going to be able to change it. It has sneaked into football and I have to live with it.[LNB]"It is a great game, an emotional game. People will get upset and say things they shouldn't say. But that is why billions of people watch."[LNB]Allardyce will be hoping the headlines can at least help his side can catch Spurs cold.[LNB]Rovers are just three points above the relegation zone having gone five games without a win.[LNB]They drew the middle three games of that sequence 0-0 before losing 2-1 at Birmingham in midweek.[LNB]They take on a Spurs side looking to push into the top four after an impressive win over Manchester City on Tuesday.[LNB]Allardyce said: "We have a big game on our hands for two reasons. One is to overcome the disappointment of not just the result, but the performance at Birmingham.[LNB]"Two is Tottenham are in great form, they are right up there. At home it is a massive game."[LNB]Former Bolton boss Allardyce has now been at the Rovers helm for a year.[LNB]Having avoided relegation last season, he feels the club have made progress in his time but has grander plans.[LNB]He said: "I think we are better than what we are position-wise.[LNB]"I still think we are a bit inconsistent, but we are getting better at that and hopefully as we go into the new year we will be much more consistent and get more points.[LNB]"The more I have got settled in the more we are getting things into place that will stay in place and hold the club in good stead. It's getting there.[LNB]"We must be aware that the short-term future is the most important thing but long-term plans must be put into place."[LNB][LNB] Tottenham 5/4, Blackburn 11/5, Draw 9/4  

Source: Team_Talk