Allardyce reflects on ‘error of judgment’

Former boss refuses to rule out management return

Sam Allardyce has vowed to reflect on the “error of judgment” which has brought his reign as England coach to an embarrassingly early end, and has not ruled out a return to management.

The 61-year-old left his dream job after just one match and 67 days at the helm following the emergence of secretly-filmed video footage which showed him making a number of controversial remarks.

The Football Association clearly felt compelled to act to bring an end to Allardyce’s tenure following the comments about subjects varying from England players to circumventing FA regulations, and side work to his employers.

As Gareth Southgate was parachuted in from the under-21s to take charge of England’s next four matches on an interim basis, Allardyce could seek solace in qualified support offered by the likes of Jose Mourinho and former England boss Steve McClaren.

Talking ahead of Manchester United’s Europa League clash with Zorya Luhansk, Mourinho said he felt “sorry” for Allardyce and added: “I liked him and I respected him before and that is not going to change.”

McClaren appeared to question the tactics employed in the Daily Telegraph sting, insisting: “It could have happened to any of us in a high-profile position and Sam has innocently paid the price and it just shows where sport is, at the elite level, that privacy can only be found in the four walls of your home.”

Allardyce, who released a statement after leaving by mutual consent on Tuesday, also addressed the media yesterday outside his Bolton home.

“Obviously I’ve got to do this before I go away,” he told reporters.

“I think that on reflection it was a silly thing to do, but just to let everyone know I sort of helped out somebody I’d known for 30 years (agent Scott McGarvey).

“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 agreement was done very amicably with the FA. I apologise to those and all concerned in this unfortunate situation I’ve put myself in.

“I have a confidentiality agreement and I took the time to talk to you on this matter. I can’t answer any more questions just now. I’m going to go away and reflect on it.

“I am off abroad, just to chill out and reflect. I’d like to wish all the England lads, Gareth and the staff all the best.”

Asked if this would be his last job in football, Allardyce said: “Who knows? We’ll wait and see.”

With the World Cup qualifier against Malta just over a week away, the FA acted swiftly to appoint Southgate, initially on an interim basis.

The 46-year-old is the overwhelming favourite to be given the job on a permanent basis despite having ruled himself out of replacing Roy Hodgson in the summer, and earlier this month expressing doubt that he would have been ready for the job.

Getty Images. Sam Allardyce faces the press outside his house yesterday.