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“I didn’t think England could stoop any lower”: National coach sacked for “inappropriate conduct”

Sam Allardyce has been sacked as England manager having behaved “inappropriately” when seeking a lucrative sideline role while talking to undercover reporters, bringing a crushing end to his dream job after one match and 67 days in charge.

Sep 28, 2016, updated Sep 28, 2016
Sam Allardyce has been sacked as England manager after only 67 days in the top job. Photo: Martin Rickett / PA Wire

Sam Allardyce has been sacked as England manager after only 67 days in the top job. Photo: Martin Rickett / PA Wire

The 61-year-old’s fall from grace was swift after he was summoned to a meeting with new FA chairman Greg Clarke and chief executive Martin Glenn on Tuesday to discuss revelations from an undercover sting set up by Britain’s Daily Telegraph newspaper.

Amid a series of injudicious comments, the issue that seems likely to have persuaded Clarke to use his authority was Allardyce’s comments about how FA and FIFA rules banning transfers involving third-party ownership could be circumnavigated.

The Telegraph said Allardyce was negotiating a deal worth STG400,000 ($A678,960) pounds to represent a Far East firm seeking advice on the transfer market.

The money would be paid for a series of visits and speeches.

“Allardyce’s conduct was inappropriate of the England manager,” the FA said.

“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.”

Allardyce built his managerial reputation largely by getting the best out of unfashionable or struggling clubs, including Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United, Blackburn Rovers, West Ham United and Sunderland.

He was appointed England manager in July following the departure of Roy Hodgson after this year’s poor showing by England at the European Championship and has overseen only the 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over Slovakia.

During his meetings with the newspaper’s undercover reporters, Allardyce also criticised his predecessor Hodgson’s speech impediment, referring to him as “Woy”.

“Sam is absolutely distraught,” the FA’s Glenn said.

“He recognises that he made a terrible error of judgement and I think he recognises as well that whilst it’s a tough decision that the FA are taking, he can see that at least we have a point.”

Seventeen years after Glenn Hoddle was sacked for making comments about the disabled, Allardyce leaves with the tag of being his country’s shortest-serving manager.

There seemed little sympathy for him among those giving early reaction to the news.

“I’m angry, I’m sad, I’m staggered at the misjudgement from a guy who admitted this was his dream job,” former England striker Alan Shearer said.

“I didn’t think England could stoop any lower from what happened in the summer at the Euros. Now here we are, a laughing stock of world football.”

Gareth Southgate will take charge of the next four matches against Malta, Slovenia, Scotland and Spain while the FA searches for a new manager, with Steve Bruce, Alan Pardew and Eddie Howe also in the running.

AMONG THE CONTENDERS:

ALAN PARDEW

Seemed to be a new man after swapping Newcastle for Crystal Palace and some fine early-season results saw him seriously linked with the England job for the first time in his career.

EDDIE HOWE

A smart, erudite and tactically-savvy coach who, at 38, looks to have a bright future at the top of the game. The manager has flourished at Bournemouth and only last week described coaching England as the “ultimate” job.

GARETH SOUTHGATE

Highly thought of by the decision-makers at the Football Association, the former Middlesbrough boss was brought into the fold to coach the Under-21s with an eye on future progression. Will take charge for England’s next four matches against Malta, Slovenia, Scotland and Spain while the FA looks for a new permanent boss.

STEVE BRUCE

The former Manchester United defender was interviewed in the summer about the vacant England manager’s job.

JURGEN KLINSMANN

The former Tottenham striker has managerial experience at international level, having been in charge of the United States for almost five years and Germany before that.

GARY NEVILLE

Seemed a heavy favourite to progress from his role as Hodgson’s assistant until his ill-advised stint with Valencia saw his stock plummet. It may yet be decided that was a case of the wrong job but the right man.

-Reuters/PA

Topics: england
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