Allardyce responds to Martinez comments

By Brian Lofrumento | 30th October 2009

Allardyce responds to Martinez comments | read this item

Sam Allardyce has responded to reported comments from Wigan boss Roberto Martinez made earlier this week. The Spanish manager made claims that there is a “Sir Alex Ferguson fan club” amongst Premiership manager ranks, and he went on to say that Sam Allardyce is a key member of the fan club as he seeks to replace the Scot at Old Trafford.

After discussing the validity of the comments with Martinez himself, Big Sam has revealed that he has accepted Martinez’s apology. Allardyce himself had words of wisdom for the Premier League new boy, as well.

“I accept what he said when he rang me,” Allardyce said. “When I saw the papers I thought, ‘Is it true or isn’t it? But I have to take his word for it, which I do.

“Welcome to the Premier League, Roberto. Keep your mouth shut in the future or make sure you remember what is going to be done in the Premier League.

“If they have distorted his words, then that is something of a regular occurrence at this level.

“It’s not a real problem for me, I just think Roberto has learnt a harsh lesson about what happens in the Premier League if you start diverting away from you and your club business.

“You can say you can be misinterpreted, you can say you can be read wrong, but it’s a lesson that when you comment in this league on anything it can be blown out of all proportion.

“He’s apologised to me and I accept that apology.”