Sam Allardyce admits ‘hardest job’; Redknapp disagrees

Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp labelled it Sam Allardyce’s “easiest job”, but Big Sam was having none of that after Crystal Palace ensured their Premier League survival.

After Palace’s 4-0 win over Hull on Sunday, which relegated the Yorkshire outfit, Redknapp claimed it was no more than should have been expected from the former England and Sunderland boss Allardyce, Big Sam though did not concur and claimed it was his “hardest job”.

“This was Allardyce’s easiest job to date. If you look at the players they have in comparison to Hull then the quality is there – Christian Benteke, Yohan Cabaye, Andros Townsend and Wilfried Zaha,” Redknapp told Sky Sports.

It was in stark contrast to Allardyce, who admitted his relief after survival was ensured, but then claimed it was his hardest job after taking over in December.

“It’s a brilliant effort from the players. Tactically we set out to nullify Hull City and tried to expose them where we thought they were weak. They held a high line and we got a ball in behind and there was a mistake which got us off to a great start,” said Allardyce.

“It’s a perfect performance from the players today – four goals and a clean sheet and terrific for everyone that has taken part, not just the squad, but everyone behind the scenes.

“I think because of the run-in, the size of the teams we have had to play, this was the hardest (team to keep up).

“We’ve now not wasted magnificent results we achieved against Arsenal and Chelsea.

We had a slip, mainly through injuries, but what a way to finish in front of your fans with a 4-0 win!”