If you say something long enough and loud enough and often enough then maybe someone will listen and believe it. The fact that Allardyce finally listened and acted on the wishes of 20,000 loyal patrons is belief that he may be more of a football pragmatist than we give him credit for.

Changing a defensive, damage limitation philosophy into an attacking one may not be as revolutionary as believing the Earth is round rather than flat. It did however change the expressions on the faces of those present at Ewood yesterday. It was not a classic performance but it was a vast improvement on what we have witnessed recently. It was a joy to see youngsters attempting to run at the Fulham defence with a carefree attitude and if Sam does ride out the current wave of uncertainty, he may look back to this time and say, "Told you so!"

Junior Hoilett, Martin Olson and Nikola Kalinic, given time, could turn out to be the Duff, Dunn and Jansen of this new decade. Much criticism has been placed at the door of the under achieving, over budgeted academy for not producing but maybe there are green shoots which can blossom into first team perennials. (even if two of them were not technically home grown)

One swallow does not make a summer but it was such an improvement than seeing our only outlet as being a Pedersen long throw. There were times against Villa that he resembled a Norwegian waiter, with that cloth drapped over his arm, more suited to serving cocktails than providing service for the forwards. Instead we had a semi lively Benni intent on making his mark and adding some variation that we have been desparately missing.

It has to be all out attack against Villa on Wednesday. Di Santo, Kalinic,and McCarthy must all start up front and be given license to interchange. If Dunn is fit, he can provide support coming from deep. I would even consider playing three at the back! Why not? There is absolutely nothing to lose, and if we do and go down fighting, the nation may consider us and Sam in a new and more positive light.