Keith Hackett supports Big Sam criticism of Mike Dean and compares him to Wenger and Ferguson
Keith Hackett has backed Sam Allardyce’s criticism of Mike Dean after the Liverpool defeat and compared the West Brom boss to two Premier League legends.
The former Premier League referee empathised with Big Sam’s view of Dean’s mistakes.
Hackett was also keen to point out that Allardyce does not usually grab the headlines when he is positive, and Hackett believes he deserves more praise for his management ability.
Speaking exclusively to West Brom News, Hackett said,“I think Allardyce is right in what he says, I’m actually supporting what he says.
“I think he has every right not to be happy with Mike Dean’s performance on this occasion.
“I think that what we have seen in recent years since I left the organisation is almost a suppression of managers making comments because the FA are quick to fine them fairly large amounts of money.
“I just wonder whether that is good for the game.
“I’ve known Allardyce for a number of years, he never changes, he gives you an honest view.
“The balance is that we don’t see the good things he does and says…What we don’t see is the technical competence of this individual.
“I liken him to Arsene Wenger, and [Sir Alex] Ferguson. Wenger more because of his forensic interrogation of performance.
“What I’ve seen in the past is how Allardyce prepares his teams, understands any individual player and deals with their weaknesses.
“It was quite remarkable what he was doing [at Bolton].
“He’s an outstanding thinker of the game, that’s why he has been so successful.”
Unfair treatment
Allardyce grabbed the headlines on the BBC with his post-match comments about the officials.
“There is no interference with the goalkeeper whatsoever,” Allardyce told BBC Sport.
“All those things people say they have to do to stop the goalkeeper saving it… If there was nobody there he still wouldn’t have saved it. It’s baffling.
“Then you turn to VAR and ask why on earth was that disallowed? If down at Stockley Park they said that’s right then that’s nonsense. If they say the referee or the linesman disallowed that goal it’s a disgrace.”
Looking at what he said, he is absolutely spot on, so we cannot understand why there would be any backlash.
Big Sam has an unfair reputation as an old school manager who plays negative football but he has proved that is not true in his spell with us.
Hearing insight from Hackett into how he deals with players is very eye-opening, and offers us a lot of encouragement ahead of next season.
If he stays he will be able to improve the current set of players, and hopefully get the likes of Grady Diangana and Callum Robinson performing at their best once again.
In other West Brom news, ‘Massive mistake’ – BBC MOTD pundit delivers verdict on major West Brom controversy v Liverpool.
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