Crystal Palace Manager Jumps Ship
Sam Allardyce confirmed yesterday that he is leaving the Eagles, after only five months as manager.
The 62-year-old Englishman has decided to retire from football altogether due to family reasons, stating that he has ‘no ambitions to take another job’.
Big Sam took over the reins from Alan Pardew in December of last year and has since led the Glaziers to eight victories.
His welcome to Palace last year was seen by many as a chance of rehabilitation after his one-game stint with England. His deal with Palace was originally for two-and-a-half years, however, Allardyce is convinced that his resignation comes at the right time and is something that he owes to his wife and family.
“While I’ve got the energy, I want to travel and also spend more time with my family and grandchildren without the huge pressure that comes with being a football manager,” he said.
Allardyce praised Steve Parish for his professionalism and understanding during their conversations about the resignation and expressed his gratitude to Parish and the club for ‘the opportunity to go out with my head held high’.
He concluded with a message saying, ‘I would like to thank everybody for their messages of support since the news broke. I’ve no doubt I will miss management but I certainly have no regrets at this decision’.
Image: Former England boss Sam Allardyce is poised to replace Alan Pardew at Crystal Palace. [online image] (2017) sourced on 24 May 2017 from http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/watfordfc/watfordfcnews
