SAM ALLARDYCE’S tenure as the England manager has been terminated after 67 days in charge following allegations he had offered advice on how to circumvent the Football Association’s rules on player transfers.

    Allardyce, who had suggested the national manager’s role was his “dream job” on his appointment as Roy Hodgson’s successor in July, has left his position by mutual consent after two months and one game, the World Cup qualifying win over Slovakia.

    He and his agent, Mark Curtis, attended a meeting with the FA’s chairman, Greg Clarke, and the chief executive, Martin Glenn, at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday with the hierarchy having been left dismayed by comments the 61-year-old had made to undercover reporters from the Daily Telegraph.

    Allardyce confirmed he had offered a “sincere and wholehearted apology for my actions” before his departure.

    An FA statement read: “The FA can confirm Sam Allardyce has left his position as England manager. Allardyce’s conduct, as reported today, was inappropriate of the England manager. He accepts he made a significant error of judgment and has apologized. However, due to the serious nature of his actions, the FA and Allardyce have mutually agreed to terminate his contract with immediate effect.

    “This is not a decision that was taken lightly but the FA’s priority is to protect the wider interests of the game and maintain the highest standards of conduct in football. The manager of the England men’s senior team is a position that must demonstrate strong leadership and show respect for the integrity of the game at all times.

    “Gareth Southgate will take charge of the men’s senior team for the next four matches against Malta, Slovenia, Scotland and Spain while the FA begins its search for the new England manager. The FA wishes Sam well in the future.”

    (SD-Agencies)