Big Sam Allardyce begins a new chapter in his varied and successful management career, but he has often referred to his first appointment at Limerick City as the launchpad for his career.
Allardyce, formerly of Bolton, Sunderland, many other clubs and England, was named the new Leeds United manager with the job of saving the storied club from relegation from the English Premiership.
The 68-year-old, the third Leeds boss of the season, will be hoping to have a better run than the last time he was asked to save a club from relegation. He was unable to do so with West Bromwich Albion two years ago.
Many in Limerick still remember the no-nonsense Allardyce, appointed player/manager after the club was relegated to the second tier of the League of Ireland.
His appointment came after an early coaching and assistant manager role ended in his sacking after just two weeks. That was also at WBA, under Brian Talbot.
"I didn’t like getting sacked within two weeks, but I have to say I got sacked rightly so," Allardyce said in an interview. "Of course that was the end of me and Brian and it was a devastating blow to me because it was my first job.
"So I didn’t know when or if I’d get back into football. It took me on the journey of all journeys. I had to go to Limerick to find a job."
His move to Limerick was engineered by then club chairman, Fr Joe Young. Allardyce led the team back into the League of Ireland Premiership in his one and only season in charge.
"All I can say to you is one thing. He believed in the Field of Dreams. He was a purpose-driven manager. I never experienced so much joy in the fact that he believed if you don't bring them through with discipline, forget about it," Fr Young told Radio Five Live in an interview.
"He was brilliant and a maestro. What he believed in, in what we were trying to do in Limerick and help young people come through the welfare system... He believed in it, and I believe in Sam."
Allardyce led Bolton Wanderers into Europe, West Ham United to promotion and saved Sunderland, Blackburn Rovers, Crystal Palace and Everton from the drop.
Just outside the relegation zone on goal difference, Allardyce must prepare his team for a big one on Saturday. They face Manchester City away.
