Harry Redknapp hated his reputation as a wheeler-dealer but Big Sam Allardyce positively embraces his prowess in recruitment.
‘Every club I have helped save from relegation, the key was the transfer market,’ he said after three January signings impressed in a stalemate that West Brom dominated with 10 men.
The league table suggests Allardyce’s great escape is a pipedream with Albion so far adrift of safety.
Yet he retains hope because of the way England international Ainsley Maitland-Niles, striker Mbaye Diagne and midfield anchor Okay Yokuslu have fortified his side.