Speaking on Kammy and Ben’s Proper Football Podcast, Sam Allardyce has claimed that he has no regrets about leaving Sunderland for England in 2016.
As we all now know, Allardyce’s time in charge of England didn’t quite go to plan. He took charge of just one game before being sacked and at the time it looked as though his decision to leave Sunderland was a mistake.
Allardyce was a real fan favourite on Wearside. Not only did he pull-off the great escape with the Black Cats in 2015/16 his incredible work with Sunderland also led to the relegation of Newcastle United.
Allardyce’s time at the Stadium of Light was cut short, and despite his England career ending so disastrously, the gaffer says he has no regrets about leaving.
What’s been said?
Allardyce spoke about leaving Sunderland for England.
“When you think about what could have been, do you wish you’d never left Sunderland for England?” Kamara asked.
“No Kammy I don’t, I couldn’t believe that they were going to give me the job or consider me. We threw our hat in the ring, I had the chance before Steve that was one that came my way, but to have a chance at managing England after keeping Sunderland up was just too good for me. It felt right, me and Sammy felt good, we did a lot behind the scenes,” Allardyce responded.
Can’t blame him
Even the most hardened Sunderland fan would have a hard time blaming Allardyce for taking the England job.
For almost every manager in this country, managing the national team is the highest honour that could be bestowed upon a coach, and when Allardyce got the call, he couldn’t say no, could he?
In hindsight, staying at Sunderland would’ve been the better decision, but when England come calling, there aren’t many managers in the world that would say no.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
