Southgate favourite to replace Allardyce

By Dan Williams 9:14PM 27 SEP 2016

GARETH SOUTHGATE is favourite to become the next permanent England manager after the national team was rocked by the sacking of Sam Allardyce yesterday.

The Under-21s boss will take charge of the senior team for the next four matches against Malta, Slovenia, Scotland and Spain while the FA searches for a new manager.

Southgate was 7-4 to get the gig on a full-time basis last night with former Hull boss Steve Bruce just behind him in the betting at 3-1, while Bournemouth’s Eddie Howe was a 7-1 shot and Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew was 12-1.

Allardyce was relieved of his duties after comments made to undercover reporters from the Daily Telegraph.

The 61-year-old is reported to have made disparaging remarks about his predecessor Roy Hodgson and former England coach Gary Neville, but the more serious allegations relate to his comments about how to circumvent rules on third-party ownership of players – which was banned by the FA in 2008.

In a statement the FA said: “Allardyce’s conduct, as reported today, was inappropriate of the England manager. He accepts he made a significant error of judgement and has apologised. 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 which must demonstrate strong leadership and show respect for the integrity of the game at all times.”

Bet365’s Steve Freeth said “Southgate distanced himself from the job when Roy Hodgson left, but there aren’t many candidates leaping off the page and four positive results could strengthen his case.”