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Leads United Manager, Allardyce, Names Okocha In Best XI

Published

3 years ago

May 4, 2023

Editor

New Leeds United manager, Sam Allardyce, has named Super Eagles legend, Austin Okocha, in the best 11 of players he managed in his illustrious coaching career, The PUNCH reports.

Allardyce was in charge of Bolton Wanders from 1999 to 2007, where Okocha also played from 2002 to 2006, going on to captain the side and hero-worshipped by fans of the club.

Best associated with Bolton, Allardyce named Okocha in midfield alongside Fernando Hierro, Youri Djorkaeff and Garry Speed. A chunk of other players are also from Bolton as he chose Jussi Jaaskelainen in goal; Habib Beye, Ryan Nelsen, Phil Jones and Patrick Van Aanholt made up the defence line, while Jermain Defoe and Nicolas Anelka are his favourite strikers.

A two-time BBC African Footballer of The Year, seven-time winner of Nigerian Player of The Year, AFCON winner in 1994 and the tournament’s best player and top scorer 10 years later, Okocha is widely regarded as one of the greatest African stars to ever play the game.

At Bolton, the Nigerian quickly endeared himself as something of a cult hero in his first season after joining PSG, before taking the armband in his second. Under Allardyce he scored 18 goals from attacking midfield in 144 games, although he is surely best remembered for his dazzling array of skills that thrilled fans and neutrals alike.

“He’s so good they named him twice! The Bolton fans printed some t-shirts with that on. Even the non-Bolton supporters enjoyed watching Jay-Jay Okocha,” Allardyce was quoted as saying by Daily Mail.

Sam Allardyce made an unlikely return to the Premier League on Wednesday when the 68-year-old former England coach was hired by Leeds until the end of the season after the relegation-threatened club fired manager Javi Gracia.

Allardyce’s last coaching role was at West Bromwich Albion for the second half of the 2020-21 season, when he failed in his short-term mission to keep the team in the Premier League.

Related Topics:Allardyce Leads United Manager Okocha

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Sports

EPL: Why I Won’t Stay One More Year At Man Utd – Casemiro

Published

7 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Manchester United midfielder, Casemiro, has explained why he won’t stay one more year at the club.

The 34-year-old is set to leave Old Trafford at the end of the current season.

The Brazilian, however, had been urged by the club’s fans to extend his contract by one more year due to his brilliant display for Michael Carrick’s side this term.

Speaking on the development, Casemiro told ESPN Brasil, “There is no chance [for me to stay one more year].

“It is leaving through the front door. It has been four wonderful years, and I am eternally grateful not only to the club but to the fans.

“I think it is over. The cycle has ended here. I am moving on to a new chapter in my career.”

Sports

EPL: Rooney Names Team To Win Title

Published

1 day ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

Former Manchester United striker, Wayne Rooney, has said Arsenal will go on to win the Premier League title, after Manchester City dropped points against Everton.

City were held to a 3-3 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night.

The result means Pep Guardiola’s men are now five points behind Arsenal, but they have one game in hand.

Rooney believes the Gunners will beat West Ham this weekend and go on to be champions.

He said on BBC Sport: “No, I’m concerned for West Ham. I just think Arsenal are efficient and professional.

“I just think they will win every game. So obviously, with the result tonight, that means they will win the league.”

Sports

UCL, EPL: Petr Cech Advises Chelsea On How To Win Trophies

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Chelsea legend, Petr Cech, has advised his old club on how to win the UEFA Champions League or the English Premier League.

Chelsea are already out of the Premier League title race this season, and they are at risk of missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification for next season because they are currently not in the ninth position on the Premier League table.

Speaking to The Athletic about Chelsea, Cech said that the Blues need to change their philosophy of signing only young players if they want to win the Premier League or Champions League.

According to the former goalkeeper, the Premier League west London club needs to add experienced players to mentor the young players in the squad.

“You have to look at what you want to achieve. You can have young, talented players, and you can win, but it’s very rare that you manage to do that,” he said.

“If you want to win every season and compete every season, that does not go together.

“You have to change your philosophy. Certain things don’t go together because, in order to win a Champions League or a Premier League… these are really tough competitions, and you have to be consistent.

“You need to have a strong core of the team. And then you can bring young, talented players who will grow faster and then will be held by the experienced players to help navigate them through difficult times when they come.”

Currently, Chelsea have just one player, Tosin Adarabioyo, who is over 28 this season, and the defender has not been playing regularly.