Sam Allardyce: West Brom manager told he was 'stupid' to consider career in football

Sam Allardyce is glad he did not listen to his school careers officer who told him he was "stupid" to think he could have a career in football.

They cannot mathematically be relegated yet, even if they lose their local derby with Wolves at The Hawthorns on Monday, but the chances of the Baggies retaining their Premier League status are now so slim it is nearly impossible to imagining it happening.

Allardyce has already said he wants reassurances about the backing he would get to lead a promotion fight before he commits to a second season with the club - and at the age of 66, there is no guarantee he would get another job if he did opt to step away.

Still, with more than 1,000 games and eight stints at different top-flight clubs as a manager, in addition to 578 appearances as a player, he has more than justified his decision to make football his chosen profession.

"Teachers were a pain in the backside - not that I want any kids to ignore their education - but all I was going to be was a footballer and no-one was ever going to stop that dream.

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