Stephen Warnock gave a brilliant insight into Sam Allardyce's man-management approach at Blackburn Rovers with a fantastic pre-season tale from Croatia.

Allardyce was much adored by the Rovers squad and has been famed for his ability to coax the best out of individuals. He is praised by most of his former players for building team spirit and togetherness in the squad.

The Rovers boss was popular at Ewood Park and his exit sparked outrage amongst fans. Morten Gamst Pedersen told The Lancashire Telegraph last week that Rovers would've finished in Europe had Allardyce not been sacked.

Reliving one of his famous pre-season tales, Warnock divulged the sort of man-management style Allardyce adopted.

When away in Croatia, the Rovers boss wanted the squad to have a team-bonding night out. It was an unsuccessful trip on the pitch but off-it, Rovers had an unbelievable time.

Warnock explained how Allardyce stuck 40K for a jet on his credit card, gave Ryan Nelsen his pin number and plenty more on a boozy trip abroad.

"We went to Italy and spent 10 days there. We then played in Croatia, flying in on the day, playing and then flying home. We're on this private plane in Italy and we had all the kit," Warnock recalls on Under the Cosh.

"They said it was too much weight so we had to get a bigger plane. It was on a Sunday and he couldn't get hold of the chairman. He went 'Right, **** it, I'll get it, I'll pay for the jet'. He put 40 grand on his credit card.

"He said he'd get it back. We had to play this game contractually. Honestly, we're all sat there. He goes to me, Ryan Nelsen and Andre Oujer, 'See what you can find out about a night out in Croatia, we're having a night out tonight'.

"We played this game, texting as many people as we can. Oujer knew a Dutch player who was in Croatia and he set up a night for us.

"Sam told them to put it on his credit card. We came off after finishing 0-0. He stood at the front and said 'Right, that was a mess today. I expect everyone and I mean everyone to be down in the bar in 10 minutes when you're back from the hotel. 

"We're going on a night out, you're fine, that's my decision. Even if you're there for 10 minutes, half an hour, you come and have a drink together. 

"We went up to the room, came down and the bar was full of beers and shots, it was massive. He wanted it cleared in 10 minutes and there was a row of taxis outside, all sorted, all paid for.

"We went out, everyone's drinking. We get to the outdoor nightclub, which has a swimming pool and beds around it. I'm looking for the table and all you can see is Sam dancing in the middle. We had the best night, it was unbelievable.

"Sam turned around to me and Ryan and said, 'Who's the most trustworthy'? I said Nelly (Nelson). He went, here's my credit card, my pin number, if you need anything else, stick it on that.

"We told all the lads and everyone was so grateful the next morning. He then sent flowers and cards to the wives and girlfriends for us being away for two weeks. For looking after kids, knowing it's hard for them with us being away.

"We came home and they all thought he was great. He won everyone over and it makes everything easier."