Sam Allardyce sacked as England manager after just 67 day reign for trying to land illegal £400,000 deal in undercover sting
DODGY-dealing Sam Allardyce was last night axed as England manager.
Big Sam, 61, got the boot after an FA showdown over him being caught in a sting advising on how to “get round” rules on players.
THE SUN SAYS
THE greed of Sam Allardyce boggles the mind.
Here was a man facing the greatest challenge and privilege of his long career — managing England for £3million a year plus bonuses.
His every waking thought ought to have been on how to transform a team of perpetual losers.
Instead, before he had presided over even his first game, his focus was on using his new status to grub around for even more dosh.
Greed alone isn’t usually a sacking offence.
But an England manager cannot survive if he suggests to strangers that he will flout the rules of his FA employers for money.
The Telegraph’s reporters have done the country a service in exposing him.
Our national team has suffered many embarrassments, not least the Iceland shocker at the Euros.
But to hire and fire this wide-boy in just 67 days has made us an even bigger global laughing stock.
Allardyce set a new football record last night — for the shortest reign by an England manager.
Big Sam lasted just 67 days and took charge for one game, a 1-0 win in Slovakia.
Yesterday the 61-year-old left the post in shame — defeated by a £400,000 dodgy deal scandal.
His shock departure followed a taped newspaper sting.
It left English football in a mess with ex-player Gareth Southgate installed as reluctant caretaker manager for the next four games.
It's been a really painful decision
An FA source admitted: “This could not have come at a worse time for England — there is chaos behind the scenes at the FA.
“They put their faith in Sam and he has let them down — as well as himself and the fans.
“God knows who they’ll turn to because the England job is the one no top coach will touch with a bargepole right now.
“It was always Sam’s dream job but he just wasn’t worthy of it.
“His only consolation will be that he will go down as the only England manager with a 100 per cent record.”
It was announced last night that Allardyce had left the manager’s role by mutual consent.
The England job was his dream come true — netting him £3million a year plus generous bonuses.
FA chief executive Martin Glenn admitted: “It’s been a really painful decision.
“But the FA is more than just running the England men’s team. We have to stand up for the right behaviours across the whole game. We are the guardians of the game.
“Sam is absolutely distraught. He recognises that he made a terrible error of judgment.
“He is deeply, deeply upset but I also think he understands why the FA had to take this tough decision.”
Allardyce was quizzed by FA chiefs after a dossier of evidence was presented by undercover reporters from The Daily Telegraph.
THE FA'S STATEMENT
The FA can confirm that Sam Allardyce has left his position as England manager.
Allardyce’s conduct, as reported today, was inappropriate of the England manager.
He accepts he made a significant error of judgement and has apologised. However, due to the serious nature of his actions, The FA and Allardyce have mutually agreed to terminate his contract with immediate effect.
This is not a decision that was taken lightly but The FA’s priority is to protect the wider interests of the game and maintain the highest standards of conduct in football.
The manager of the England men’s senior team is a position which must demonstrate strong leadership and show respect for the integrity of the game at all times.
Gareth Southgate will take charge of the men’s senior team for the next four matches against Malta, Slovenia, Scotland and Spain whilst The FA begins its search for the new England manager.
The FA wishes Sam well in the future.
He was seen at dawn yesterday leaving his home in Bolton in his black Mercedes and heading for crunch talks at the FA’s Wembley HQ in North London.
FA chiefs said they would only make a decision after considering the “full facts” and were awaiting more information from the newspaper investigators.
But it quickly became clear he was doomed after he briefed friends that he expected to be sacked before next week’s Wembley World Cup qualifier against Malta.
Supporters were calling for his head on social media “for the good of the game”.
Former England striker and BBC’s Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker tweeted: “We can get on our high horses about Fifa etc. but we have a large glass house of our own.
“Biggest issue for Sam Allardyce is advising on getting around 3rd party rules. As well, of course, as very poor judgment.”
READ MORE
- Sam Allardyce QUITS as England manager after just 67 days in charge
- Alan Shearer: Allardyce had catastrophic misdudgement, it always comes down to money and greed
- Two agents claim eight current or former Prem managers are open to 'bungs'
- One win, 67 days, no pay-off - the highs and lows of Allardyce's reign
- Ray Parlour says Allardyce saga has turned England into a laughing stock
- "I'm so sorry" - Allardyce's grovelling apology after leaving post
- Who is Gareth Southgate? The man who will take over the Three Lions
- Neil Ashton comment: Allardyce was arrogant, naive and stupid
- £3million salary not enough for wheeler-dealer brought down by pursuit of cash
- All the funniest and best reaction after Allardyce steps down