Contrite Sam Allardyce takes time out after 'error of judgment'

Sam Allardyce has not ruled out a return to management after an “error of judgment” brought his dream job with England to an embarrassingly early end.

After just one match and 67 days at the helm, the FA is having to look for a new manager after The Daily Telegraph’s revelations about Roy Hodgson’s successor threw the governing body into a tailspin. Secretly-filmed video footage appeared to show Allardyce making numerous controversial remarks about subjects that varied from England players to circumventing FA regulations, and side work to his employers.

It led to the 61-year-old’s time at the “pinnacle” coming to a swift end, with England Under-21s manager Gareth Southgate parachuted into the hotseat for the four remaining matches in 2016.

Allardyce 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 what was somebody I’d known for 30 years [football agent Scott McGarvey].

“Unfortunately, it was an error of judgment on my behalf and I’ve paid the consequences.

“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.”