Allardyce axed as England manager

 

Sam Allardyce has left his position as manager of England by mutual agreement with the FA after just one game in charge following a newspaper investigation on the former Sunderland manager.

The 61 year old, who has only taken charge of the Three Lions on one occasion since his appointment in July, had been seen allegedly using his role to negotiate deals with a Far East firm, and claimed it was “not a problem” to bypass rules of third party ownership.

An FA statement said Allardyce’s conduct “was inappropriate” and Gareth Southgate will take temporary charge.

“He accepts he made a significant error of judgement and has apologised,” the FA said.

“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.”

Prior to Allardyce’s first training session with the national side, the former Sunderland and West Ham manager met with undercover reporters who posed as businessmen. His interview, which was all captured on camera, also included comments regarding that he knew of agents that were “doing it all the time,” before referring to his predecessor, Roy Hodgson, as “Woy.”

After a meeting with FA chairman Greg Clarke and chief executive Martin Glenn, Allardyce stated he gave a “sincere and wholeheartedly apology for my actions.”

“Although it was made clear during the recorded conversations that any proposed arrangements would need the FA’s full approval, I recognise I made some comments which have caused embarrassment,” he added.

“As part of the meeting, I was asked to clarify what I said and the context in which the conversations took place. I have co-operated fully in this regard.

“I also regret my comments with regard to other individuals.”

In an interview on the FA website, Glenn said “discussing a range of issues from potential contraventions of FA rules to personal comments” did not “work when you’re the manager of England”.

At just 67 days in charge of England, Allardyce becomes the shortest serving manager in the nations history.

Southgate, a favourite to take the position prior to Allardyce’s appointment, will take charge of England’s next four matches, which include World Cup qualifiers, against Malta, Slovenia, Scotland and Spain respectively.

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe and former Hull City boss Steve Bruce have also been linked with the position, as was the case following Hodgson’s dismissal after Euro 2016.