Sam Allardyce has spoken of his regret and disappointment following the series of events which led to him leaving his role of England manager by mutual consent.
The former Sunderland, West Ham United and Bolton manager offered to resign after an investigation from the Telegraph saw him filmed allegedly telling reporters posing as investors that FA third-party player ownership rules could be bypassed.
And the Football Association confirmed his departure on Tuesday evening, citing his ‘significant error of judgement’, before confirming that Gareth Southgate will take charge of the national team for its next four matches.
Allardyce has now issued a statement, in which he apologises wholeheartedly for the comments which he admits ‘have caused embarrassment’.
‘Further to recent events, The FA and I have mutually agreed to part company,’ the statement begins.
‘It was a great honour for me to be appointed back in July and I am deeply disappointed at this outcome.
‘This afternoon, I met with Greg Clarke and Martin Glenn and offered a sincere and wholehearted 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.
‘As part of today’s 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.’
Following the Football Association’s statement, in which the governing body calls Allardyce’s conduct ‘inappropriate of the England manager,’ FA chief executive Martin Glenn has shed more light on the manager’s exit.
Allardyce’s position soon became untenable following serious allegations raised by an undercover investigation from the Telegraph, and Glenn said it has been “a very difficult 24 hours”.
“In the light of the media allegations that we’ve seen, we’ve concluded – and Sam’s agreed – than his behaviour has been inappropriate and frankly not what is expected of an England manager.
“Discussing a range of issues, from potential contraventions of FA rules through to personal comments that frankly just don’t work when you’re the manager of England.”
FA chief executive Martin Glenn speaks about the decision to end Sam Allardyce's tenure as @England manager: pic.twitter.com/eOmyxweEs0
— England Football (@EnglandFootball) September 27, 2016
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