Snap that helped new England boss boss get his nickname – at only 14
then as he went up the age group he moved to centre half. “When he first arrived I think we all thought ‘what have we got here?’ But he fitted in really well.” Team captain Chris Pearson is the son of manager George, credited by Big Sam for kick- starting his career. Chris said: “My dad always said ‘if you’re good enough, you’re old enough’. Sam was taller than everyone else, but he was quite a shy and quiet lad and always worked hard.
“I remember we once played at Crystal Palace Stadium and he hit the goal stanchion so hard with one shot the crossbar fell down.” Fellow player Ian Hollis, now a design engineer, said: “He was always a tall lad, but would take the mickey out of himself. He was a typical Black Country boy. Very grounded.
“We used to catch the bus to games as neither of our families had a car.”
Sam grew up in a council house with policeman dad Robert, mum Mary – who worked part-time making golf bags – and siblings Mary and Robert.
He joined Bolton Wanderers at 15, a club he later went on to manage in the Premier League. He and wife Lynne have been married 42 years and have two children.
His old under-15s pal Greg Fellows also went on to turn pro playing for Aston Villa and Manchester United. He is now working as a scout.
Greg said: “He was tough, hard and physical. He must have been six foot two even then.
“You wouldn’t mess with him, but he was a super lad. Getting the England job is fantastic for Sam. I’m pleased for him. Hopefully, he’ll do well.”
He was shy and quiet, but he hit the goal so hard with one shot the crossbar fell down EX UNDER-15S PAL CHRIS PEARSON ON THE YOUNG BIG SAM