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Football

22nd Jul 2016

Sunderland’s statement confirming Sam Allardyce’s departure is needlessly petty

Grow up

Robert Redmond

Grow up.

England, as expected, have appointed Sam Allardyce as their new manager. The 61-year-old will leave Sunderland after less than a year in charge at the Stadium of Light, and has signed a two contract with the Football Association.

“I am extremely honoured to be appointed England manager especially as it is no secret this is the role I have always wanted,” Allardyce said.

“For me, it is absolutely the best job in English football. I will do everything I can to help England do well and give our nation the success our fans deserve. Above all, we have to make the people and the whole country proud.”

Sunderland will be compensated to the tune of £3m for Allardyce’s departure, however, they aren’t taking the decision well.

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The Black Cats’ statement reads:

“Sunderland AFC confirms the departure of Sam Allardyce, who takes up the position of England manager with immediate effect.

“The focus of everyone at Sunderland AFC now is on moving forward quickly and decisively, with the appointment of the club’s new manager to be confirmed at the earliest opportunity.”

Sunderland didn’t wish their former player and manager good luck in his new role, and seemed generally pissed off Allardyce has left. The club are reportedly unhappy with the length of time it has taken to appoint Big Sam.

Instead of focusing on the fact their manager has been deemed good enough to become England manager, or thank him for his work, they were unnecessarily annoyed about the whole episode.

But then again, the past 10 days of negotiations between the FA and Allardyce have severely dented the Black Cats quest to qualify for the Champions League.

They’ve also missed out on transfer targets, and have fallen behind in the race to sign Paul Pogba from Juventus.

They’re now set to appoint David Moyes, who will have a few months to settle into the job, before Sunderland start their season in April and finish 17th.

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