Allardyce critical of ‘immature’ AVB

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has accused Andre Villas-Boas of displaying “immaturity” for reacting angrily to criticism in the media.

Villas-Boas argued with a reporter after Tottenham’s 2-2 Premier League draw with Manchester United on Sunday, having taken exception to an article written last week. The Spurs boss also responded to Alan Sugar mocking his tactics by insisting he is the victim of an “agenda” directed by the club’s former chairman.

Allardyce insists he is unwise to answer his critics in public. “You have to use the criticism as a motivational drive to show these people that they are wrong. You’ve got to take it on the chin,” Allardyce said.