Allardyce sacked

Nightmare end to dream job

Sam Allardyce, pictured, was sacked as England boss last night. He was targeted in a probe into alleged corruption and his departure comes after 67 days at the helm.

Sam Allardyce’s tenure as England manager is over after he was sacked by the FA last night.

Allardyce was targeted in a Daily Telegraph investigation into alleged corruption in English football, and the departure of the 61-year-old after just 67 days at the helm was confirmed following talks with FA chairman Greg Clarke and chief executive Martin Glenn.

“Allardyce’s conduct was inappropriate of the England manager,” read an FA statement.

England under-21 manager Gareth Southgate will take charge of the senior side for the next four games – one against Scotland – as caretaker.

Allardyce described the job as the culmination of his career in football and his dream job, but it has ended in embarrassment and recrimination.

When replacing Roy Hodgson in July, following an abject Euro 2016 performance, he had denied the England national side was at rock bottom.

It seems impossible to reject the claim now, as evidenced by the grave language used by the FA.

“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,” continued the statement.

“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.”

Allardyce apologised for his part in the divorce and said the decision to dispense with his services was mutual.

Videos released by the newspaper showed Allardyce appearing to make indiscreet and controversial comments to undercover reporters posing as businessmen, with the newspaper agreeing to share more findings with the FA.

While Allardyce is seen talking in potentially damaging fashion about his Hodgson, former assistant manager Gary Neville and selection policy, the most serious issues appear to be his apparent willingness to pursue a £400,000 deal to address investors in the Far East and his views on the outlawed practice of third-party ownership.

After apparently negotiating the payday – on top of his £3million wage – to act as a key speaker to overseas investment firms, Allardyce added the caveat he would have to “run it past the powers that be”.

“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,” said Allardyce in a statement.

He was filmed offering an account of how to circumvent third-party ownership rules, saying it was “not a problem” to get around FA rules which stop third parties “owning” football players’ economic rights.

“Allardyce’s conduct was inappropriate of the England manager”

OUT OF A JOB: Former England manager Sam Allardyce