I don't want to lose that reputation' - Sam Allardyce outlines plans for managerial return

Former Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce has outlined his plans to return to football management following a long lay off.

Allardyce kept the Wearsiders in the Premier League with stunning victories against Newcastle United, Everton, Norwich City and Manchester United and Chelsea capping off memorable 2015-16.

The former Newcastle United manager then moved on to England but was sacked after taking charge of just one Three Lions game following a major scandal.

Whilst Sunderland slipped two divisions to League One, Allardyce enjoyed stints at top-flight outfits Crystal Palace and Everton before his sacking at Goodison Park in 2018.

Speaking on Quest, however, the ex-Bolton Wanderers boss outlined his plans to return to football.

“Well, it’s the longest I’ve been out of football in my entire life since I left school at 15,” Allardyce stated.

“It’s been just over two years, so I have got itchy feet but in saying that I’m not actively looking.

“If somebody came along and it was really attractive to me and I felt that I could have a good relationship with the owners and the chief exec and the team looked like they were heading in the right direction and you can take them somewhere.

"It would all be about success and success for me could be taking a team out of trouble and building that team and taking them up or trying to get a team promoted.

“We’ll have to wait and see.

“I think dreams of a big club in the Premier League would not be my ambition anymore but certainly, if the right club came along, it would be nice to get back in, I’ve missed it.

“But I have had a really good break and have enjoyed it.”

Asked about his Premier League record and whether or not Allardyce would want to tarnish it at this stage in his career, the 66-year-old said: “No, not really. I don’t want to lose that reputation if you like.

"I always felt I was a little bit better than call for Big Sam if you’re in trouble but that’s the way it went!

"I was happy to do it, you know, at Blackburn at Crystal Palace, Sunderland, managed to get West Ham up at the first time of asking, so I’ve really enjoyed my career.

"And I haven’t really worked, to be honest since school, so it’s been a dream come true for me.”

On new Sunderland head coach Lee Johnson, Allardyce added: “Of course, Sunderland is a massive job for Lee and previous managers since I’ve left have usually found it difficult to manage that football club.

“I have to say I was a little shocked that Gary Parkinson left, sorry Phil Parkinson left because I thought he was doing a reasonable job but this one is a big one for Lee.

“When the fans get back as well, they will get right behind him, so it’s a big challenge for him and the players to get Sunderland back in at least the Championship.”