Tuesday 27 September 2016 21:49, UK
Sam Allardyce has left his position as England manager after just one game in charge, the Football Association has confirmed.
The news came on Tuesday evening after a day of talks between Allardyce and his FA bosses over allegations he discussed how to circumvent rules on player transfers while speaking to undercover Daily Telegraph reporters.
Here we look back at his short reign as England manager in his own words…
APPOINTMENT - July 23
Sam Allardyce on the honour of being named England boss
"I am extremely honoured to be appointed England manager, especially as it is no secret that this is the role I have always wanted.
"For me, it is absolutely the best job in English football. I will do everything I can to help England do well and give our nation the success our fans deserve. Above all, we have to make the people and the whole country proud."
FIRST PRESS CONFERENCE - July 25
On excitement of new role
"It was 10 years since I was last interviewed [for the position] and to sit here is obviously a huge, huge thrill for me.
"I think I fit the chair. I hope I do. I think I've got the experience to pass on and not only challenge the England team but challenge myself. I think [managing] five Premier League clubs has given me a huge amount of experience."
On enjoying the challenge
"Have some fun! The game of football is to be enjoyed. As the pinnacle of my career, I want to enjoy this the most."
On his strengths
"Man-management is my biggest asset, to try and help players enjoy themselves and become better than they already are. I think that worked everywhere else I've been so hopefully that will work on the England side. I'll have that approach in this job."
On leaving no stone unturned to be successful
"I will exploit all areas, particularly psychologically."
On England's young talent
"It's not potential anymore. These young players have had a lot of games now. This is the England first team. You want the players to be producing their top quality immediately."
BEFORE FIRST SQUAD IS NAMED - August 28
On finding out former France U21 Steven N'Zonzi was ineligible for an England call-up
"It would have been of interest to me and we did explore it. He's very good and he never got the credit he deserved."
AFTER FIRST SQUAD IS NAMED - August 29
On handing Michail Antonio his first England call-up
"The quality of the player that has shone through in every league he's played in, and the impact, his attacking flair, and scoring record form a wide position - that's what has made me pick him."
On questions about Wayne Rooney's position, after he's named as a midfielder in the squad list
"It's not a reflection of where I'm likely to play him. Shall we say attacking-midfielder? Or striker? I think Rooney's position has changed at Manchester United and that's where I'll be looking to play him. I may consider changing the format of the squad announcement next time, so it says no position!"
On not selecting Marcus Rashford for the senior team
Having a full game with Gareth will be invaluable to us down the line. He's only a young man, let's not put too much pressure on him. Hopefully he scores goals for the U21s and gives me a decision to make next time.
AFTER CAPTAIN IS REVEALED - August 29
On Rooney staying on as England captain
"Wayne has been an excellent captain for England and the manner in which he has fulfilled the role made it an easy decision for me to ask him to continue. Wayne's record speaks for itself. He is the most senior member of the squad and he is hugely respected by his peers."
AHEAD OF WORLD CUP QUALIFIER WITH SLOVAKIA - September 4
On pre-match nerves
"Every new job that you get, you get nervous - you're hoping your players go out and do your talking for you."
AFTER ENGLAND'S LAST-GASP 1-0 WIN IN SLOVAKIA - September 4
On getting a late, late winner
"I think this time compared to last time, we won 1-0 which is what matters in the end, in front of our own fans who were desperately waiting for that goal. We finally got it and we all celebrated, rightly so after that performance.
"We totally dominated the game in what everyone is telling me is one of the most difficult games to play here in Slovakia, their record is very, very good."
On Rooney's performance in a deep role
"I can't tell him where to run because he's been one of the best his whole career at finding good space and promoting good passing forward and creating chances.
"Yes, we want to get him in goalscoring positions a bit more but today it doesn't matter because we've won 1-0."
On where England can improve
"Having so many chances again and not converting them enough, it's something that I'm going to emphasise to the players that we've got to get a little bit better at, at this level of football."
On importance of Adam Lallana's goal
"Immense. It was the most important thing in my England career, but more for the players than for me. It puts us on the journey... hopefully we can get better. I can only hope we get stronger."
AHEAD OF MALTA & SLOVENIA - September 15
On the atmosphere at Wembley
"I think the atmosphere is electric when the place is full - they lift the roof off, the England fans. I think what we have to do is try and live up to their expectation."
On England supporters' expectations against Malta
"Unfortunately, their expectation will be 10-0. I'm not so sure we'll get anywhere near that, but since Scotland beat them 5-1 in the last game, albeit when they were only playing against nine men, their expectations have gone up.
"So we have to live with that and try and deliver the best we possibly can. But I'd expect Malta to put up a defensive resilience that we have to try and break down."
FINAL STATEMENT AS MANAGER - September 27
On allegations he discussed how to circumvent rules on player transfers while speaking to undercover Daily Telegraph reporters
"Further to recent events, The FA and I have mutually agreed to part company. It was a great honour for me to be appointed back in July and I am deeply disappointed at this outcome.
"This afternoon, I met with Greg Clarke and Martin Glenn and offered a sincere and wholehearted apology for my actions.
"Although it was made clear during the recorded conversations that any proposed arrangements would need The FA's full approval, I recognise I made some comments which have caused embarrassment.
"As part of today's meeting, I was asked to clarify what I said and the context in which the conversations took place. I have co-operated fully in this regard. I also regret my comments with regard to other individuals."
