Sam Allardyce has appeared in public for the first time since addressing the media the day after he left his post as England manager, attending Manchester United’s Europa League match against Fenerbahce.
Allardyce, who was pictured sitting next to Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford, has been firmly out of the spotlight since 28 September, after leaving the England job by mutual consent. He was in charge for just 67 days before departing over revelations in an undercover newspaper investigation. Facing the media after his departure was announced, Allardyce admitted to “an error of judgment” before leaving with family for an overseas holiday.
Reports this week have suggested that Allardyce, who had initially been unsure if he would ever return to football, could be in line for a return to Sunderland, with David Moyes leading the Black Cats to two points from eight games, and rumours of a potential takeover at the Stadium of Light.
Allardyce, who also managed Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United, Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United in the Premier League before his ill-fated spell with England, was pictured sitting in the home director’s box, next to Sir Alex Ferguson and close to Manchester United executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward. David Gill, a member of the three-man Football Association panel that gave Allardyce the England job, was reportedly also in attendance.