Bookies have revealed who they believe is next in line to replace “Big Sam” Allardyce as the next England manager, with it expected that the FA will oust the new coach following the revelation that he was using his role with the national squad to help buyers navigate player transfer rules.
Allardyce was caught out by The Telegraph, who revealed hidden footage of an undercover investigation the newspaper had set up in order to reveal corruption in football. Video footage of Allardyce navigating a £400,000 deal with reporters, who he believed were owners of a fictional Far East firm, emerged showing the 61-year-old informing the men that they could successfully “get around” the FA’s third-party ownership rules. The video was revealed as part of a 10-month investigation by The Telegraph.
This has now led many to suspect that Big Sam will be forced to step down from his post as England manager, with him having firmly embarrassed the FA with his behaviour. Although he is still expected to take the reins of the national squad during their upcoming match against Malta on October 8 – SkyBet lists the odds of him coaching the England side during the game as 1/8 – it is being speculated that after this match the FA will begin looking for a replacement.
Most bookies currently list Alan Pardew as the favourite to take the job, with SkyBet granting him the most favourable odds at 4/1, while Paddy Power lists him at 5/1 and William Hill at 6/1. There is some contention between the second-favourite, with Eddie Howe and Steve Bruce both being listed by different bookies with odds of around 7/1. Gareth Southgate, Jurgen Klinsmann and Glenn Hoddle are also in the running.
It has yet to be officially confirmed whether or not Allardyce will be sacked as England manager, but with the FA currently investigating The Telegraph’s report it won’t be long before we have a definitive answer.
