The transformation that took place when Sammy Lee left Liverpool in 1986 had a profound impact on his life and career. Having previously taken the club's support for granted, as he jokingly mentioned not needing Spanish lessons after attending school, his time abroad, particularly at Osasuna in Spain, helped him appreciate everything about football more.
Sammy recounts that Michael Robinson's encouragement to join him at Pamplona-based club led to Lee knowing this was where he belonged. It "smelled right" and felt right - people who were genuinely good, as a result, Lee knew what he had found. This realization ultimately led to Sammy being introduced to a new path forward.
Upon reflecting on his time with Osasuna in 1987-1988, Sammy says it was wonderful; it was "the best thing that happened to me after joining Liverpool." Coaching became more significant than playing for him; the book began there. His conversations at Bilbao revolved around coaching and its connection to friendship.
Osasuna marked a turning point in Sammy's life. Before moving on, he'd lost focus professionally and wasn't meeting expectations as an England player. Leaving Liverpool was hard but becoming involved with other clubs like Bolton, Everton, West Bromwich Albion, and Crystal Palace under Sam Allardyce helped him grow both personally and professionally.
There were many coaches during Lee's tenure at these clubs, including Peter Taylor and Sven-Göran Eriksson, who played a significant role in shaping England's performances during major tournaments. Although Lee acknowledges the challenges that came with playing for the national team, he also emphasizes his appreciation for it - every player wants to win and be honored.
Throughout this interview, Sammy Lee speaks fondly of various people from his career. The bond and camaraderie among teammates were crucial aspects of football, as evidenced by his experiences at both club and international levels. With such a deep understanding of the game now acquired during his time abroad, it is little wonder that he was drawn to coaching - one path began in Spain.
It should be noted, however, that appreciation for Eriksson came somewhat late; only after he fell ill did the coaching prowess behind him become apparent.
Sammy recounts that Michael Robinson's encouragement to join him at Pamplona-based club led to Lee knowing this was where he belonged. It "smelled right" and felt right - people who were genuinely good, as a result, Lee knew what he had found. This realization ultimately led to Sammy being introduced to a new path forward.
Upon reflecting on his time with Osasuna in 1987-1988, Sammy says it was wonderful; it was "the best thing that happened to me after joining Liverpool." Coaching became more significant than playing for him; the book began there. His conversations at Bilbao revolved around coaching and its connection to friendship.
Osasuna marked a turning point in Sammy's life. Before moving on, he'd lost focus professionally and wasn't meeting expectations as an England player. Leaving Liverpool was hard but becoming involved with other clubs like Bolton, Everton, West Bromwich Albion, and Crystal Palace under Sam Allardyce helped him grow both personally and professionally.
There were many coaches during Lee's tenure at these clubs, including Peter Taylor and Sven-Göran Eriksson, who played a significant role in shaping England's performances during major tournaments. Although Lee acknowledges the challenges that came with playing for the national team, he also emphasizes his appreciation for it - every player wants to win and be honored.
Throughout this interview, Sammy Lee speaks fondly of various people from his career. The bond and camaraderie among teammates were crucial aspects of football, as evidenced by his experiences at both club and international levels. With such a deep understanding of the game now acquired during his time abroad, it is little wonder that he was drawn to coaching - one path began in Spain.
It should be noted, however, that appreciation for Eriksson came somewhat late; only after he fell ill did the coaching prowess behind him become apparent.
HE SEEMED TO HAVE FOUND HIS TRUE CALL WHEN HE WAS AROUND LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE WHO TRULY CARE ABOUT THE GAME. AND IT SOUNDS LIKE HE LEARNED SO MUCH FROM MICHAEL ROBINSON - THAT GUY MUST BE A REALLY SPECIAL COACH IF HE MADE SUCH A BIG IMPACT ON LEE'S LIFE! 
just read about sammy lee's journey and I'm low-key impressed 
️ it makes sense now why he was so good with sam allardyce and the other coaches 
they helped him grow both personally and professionally, which is super relatable 
what's crazy is how this period of his life led to him becoming more into coaching than playing, and it makes sense now that he had those experiences abroad and saw the culture & friendships in football differently 
. For Sammy Lee, leaving Liverpool in 1986 was like a wake-up call, you know? He realized that there's more to life than just playing for the team he loves, and it opened up so many new opportunities for him.
. I mean, who knew that moving to Spain would be the thing that led him to become one of England's most successful coaches? 
The way he talks about it in this interview is so inspiring - it just goes to show that sometimes all it takes is a change of heart (or country 
) to find your true passion.
. His experiences abroad not only broadened his perspective on football but also instilled a profound appreciation for the game, particularly its social aspects 
. The symbiotic relationship between coaching and friendship is particularly noteworthy, as evident in his conversations with Michael Robinson during his time at Bilbao 
.