SAM Allardyce remembers his playing tussles with Trevor Francis as a clash of styles.

And it is the same story now the pair find themselves locking horns as managers.

The difference is that the hard man's team has the flair while the skilful player now promotes the physical approach.

They didn't come any harder that Allardyce in his playing days when his physical presence earned him the nickname 'Big Sam'.

Never known for his Johan Cruyff tricks and flying overhead kicks, he was no-nonsense, up-and-at-'em type defender not averse to getting tough with a tricky centre forward if necessary.

In short, the ball might get past him or the player might get past him but never the two together!

In contrast, Francis was a world class striker with blistering pace and sensational skills.

So how odd it is to see him build a side with a huge physical presence which places little emphasis on the finer points while Allardyce prefers to see players pass and express themselves.

It doesn't surprise the Bolton boss that neither has built a team in their image, saying: "Managers often have teams which are the reverse of how they used to play.

"George Graham was known as 'Stroller' as a player but now he wouldn't have a player like that in his side.

"I think managers often look at players who have what they didn't have as a player and they admire it.

"I played against Trevor once or twice and he had explosive pace," he added, smiling: "I don't think I ever got close enough to him to kick him.

"He was at his most dangerous when he was standing still because his speed of the mark was so devastating. I think that was why he used to get injured so much.

"As a manager he has seems to prefer strong, physical players whereas I prefer flair players because it pleases me more to watch players like that."