 Allardyce also has a reputation for using long ball tactics, though has said that this reputation is a perception that is "totally and utterly wrong". Former Newcastle player Lee Clark stated that "I 've heard all the stuff that gets thrown at Sam. The long ball merchant thing and what have you. But all I can say is, from working with him, never once did I hear him talk about long balls. He's massive on set-plays and massive on the organisation of the team but that's only right, that's football and that's what happens."
