HEART OP FOR SAM ALLARDYCE
Blackburn boss has complained of chest pains
ROVERS PROVIDE AWAY-DAY TONIC FOR SAM
Blackburn too strong for Bolton as Dunn shows his quality again.
SAM ALLARDYCE will undergo heart surgery next week after complaining of chest pains.
The Blackburn boss requires an angioplasty, an operation that involves inserting a stent to widen the narrowed artery.
The surgery will take place on Friday morning but the 55-year-old has told friends he intends to return against Chelsea in the Carling Cup quarter-final clash at Ewood Park at the start of December - just five days after going under the knife.
He will still be forced to miss Blackburn's next three games because of the scare, including today's North West derby with former club Bolton.
"Sam is very disappointed, particularly at missing the Bolton fixture, but his well-being is of prime consideration," said Blackburn chairman John Williams.
"We all appreciate Premier League football is a stressful business and prevention is always better than cure."
Despite Allardyce's desire to make such a hasty return, his heart problem highlights the increasing pressure on top-flight managers.
Last year Joe Kinnear was forced to undergo heart bypass surgery after collapsing in a Midlands hotel hours before Newcastle played at West Brom.
It was the second such major health scare for Kinnear, who had a heart attack before a Wimbledon game at Sheffield Wednesday in 1999. The 62-year-old has not worked in the game since his problems at Newcastle.
Gerard Houllier was forced to undergo 11 hours of life-saving surgery in 2000.
And Graeme Souness underwent a triple heart bypass when he was in charge at Liverpool.
In 2001, Allardyce, who was in the middle of his eight-year reign at Bolton, was wired up to a heart monitor during a game with Leicester for a TV documentary.
The results revealed his blood pressure had hit dangerous levels and he said: "Programmes like this do make us more aware we should look after ourselves a lot better. But it's easier said than done with the stresses of the job."
Blackburn No 2 Neil McDonald will take charge today and for Rovers' next two games with Fulham and Stoke.
Please note: All comments are moderated.
Tick this box to accept our
TERMS & CONDITIONS
This article has 2 comments
Good luck sam for next friday my brother-in-law had 4 stent fitted and my brother had 2 no problem. All the best
By keith allen bluenose.. Posted November 22 2009 at 6:18 PM.
same thing happening to me a week on Monday. I'm 47 and otherwise healthy. Everyone over 40 should get regular blood presure and cholesterol check-ups.
You just never know when these things can occur
By Dave.. Posted November 22 2009 at 4:21 AM.