Thursday 13 October 2016 16:03, UK
Football agent Scott McGarvey admits he was 'devastated' that his involvement in a newspaper sting cost Sam Allardyce his England job.
McGarvey, who played for Manchester United briefly in the early 1980s, introduced Allardyce to undercover reporters from the Daily Telegraph he believed were businessmen representing a firm of investors.
The former Bolton and Newcastle boss left his role with the national side after just 67 days over allegations he discussed how to circumvent the Football Association's rules on player transfers in a video released by the newspaper.
And in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports News HQ reporter Kaveh Solhekol, 53-year-old McGarvey says he regrets his part in his friend's downfall while admitting his surprise the article had cost Allardyce his job.
"I'm devastated for Sam," he said. "I can't think of anything worse that could have happened to my life.
"He has to feel that I'm responsible because I am the one who brought him to the meeting but he's only come for me. He's never once spoken about money. He's never once said anything about money...
"Do I think he holds me responsible? I think he's known me for a long, long time. He knows that I'd never do that to him or to anybody in football."
Asked if he thought there had been an over-reaction to the revelations, McGarvey added; "Yes I do. I was very surprised that he lost his job.
"I can understand if he doesn't speak to me again. I need to respect that, but I hope not because we go back a long way.
"It might take a bit of time because I know how hurt he is at losing the England job. It doesn't matter if you're the manager of Crewe and you lose your job but if you're the manager of England and you lose your job after one game, it's a joke."
After parting company with the Football Association, Allardyce refused to be drawn on his future in the game but McGarvey is confident the 62-year-old will be seen on the nation's touchlines before too long.
"One hundred per cent... Sam will bounce back because he's been a manager for a long time and you have to be mentally strong to be a manager today. When he says he wants to get back into football, he will be inundated with offers."
