Sam Allardyce has flown out of the UK to reflect after losing his job as England manager on Tuesday, reports the Guardian.
Big Sam’s contract was terminated by mutual consent after the Daily Telegraph’s now infamous sting which saw undercover reporters record the manager giving advice on third-party ownership and how to dodge FA rules.
In truth, this is a bullet England’s governing body should have seen coming. It’s not the first time Allardyce has been accused of impropriety when it comes to transfer dealings, as he suffered similar accusations in the Stevens Inquiry of 10 years ago.
Allardyce admitted he will now take time to “chill out and reflect”, safe in the knowledge he won’t be remembered as the England manager who achieved a 100% win record – having managed just one game, a 1-0 last-minute win over Slovakia.
The former Sunderland, Newcastle, West Ham, and Bolton chief conceded that it was a “silly thing to do”, adding:
“Unfortunately, it was an error of judgment on my behalf and I’ve paid the consequences. Entrapment has won on this occasion and I have to accept that.”
The question for England, who are unquestionably at rock bottom, is where to turn next. After the defeat to Iceland in the Euros, Allardyce was thought to be the one man who could transform the Three Lions back into one of the world’s best sides.
Gareth Southgate, Arsene Wenger, Eddie Howe, and Alan Pardew are the main candidates in the frame. Southgate will take temporary charge until a permanent appointment is made, while Wenger has admitted he could be available in the summer if his contract at Arsenal isn’t renewed.
Check out Football Advisor for profitable betting predictions
