Big Sam eyes 'magic' mark

Allardyce admits Rovers are not yet out of trouble

Last updated: 8th February 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Big Sam eyes 'magic' mark

Allardyce: Wants 40 points

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Sam Allardyce is keen to lead his Blackburn Rovers side past the 'magic' 40-point mark after admitting the club are not yet out of danger.

Rovers' 3-0 defeat at Stoke City on Saturday left Allardyce's side in 12th position in the table, seven points outside the bottom three.

Allardyce is aware 40 points has not been required to avoid relegation in recent seasons, but it is still a target he wants his team to reach as soon as possible.

"I said it last week, but the throwing away of two points at West Ham was the big one for us," Allardyce told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph. "That is where we are looking back and are very regretful we didn't get those three points.

"Sitting on 30 points rather than 28 would make us look a lot more comfortable.

"We are not out of trouble by a long chalk yet. The magic 40-point mark is looming and that is where we have to get to. You haven't had to get that many for many, many years, but that is the magic mark."

Big game

Hull City visit Ewood Park on Wednesday evening and Allardyce is aware it will be a test for his team following the Tigers' positive results at home to Chelsea and Manchester City.

He added: "We now have a big game Wednesday. We have to put the disappointment behind us and get back to winning ways.

"I am very disappointed in our overall performance at Stoke, even with the refereeing decisions going against us.

"Our players were not as good as they should have been by far and we have to take it on the chin, pick ourselves up for Wednesday, which is going to be a hugely tough game.

"I saw Hull City against Chelsea in midweek and they have beaten Manchester City on Saturday, so it will be a big, big game for us to get three points on the board."