Ray Parlour says Sam Allardyce saga has turned England into a laughing stock
RAY PARLOUR fears England have become a laughing stock following Sam Allardyce’s “embarrassing" newspaper sting.
Allardyce was sacked as Three Lions boss after just one game in charge in light of accusations he abused his position to help businessmen “get around” FA transfer rules.
Ex-Arsenal star Parlour, 43, who won ten caps for England, said: “It’s embarrassing.
"You’ve just got a new manager and everyone is looking forward and suddenly this happens. People will be laughing at us.
“You’ve got to deal with the situation and move on.
“In football there are shocks all the time and you have to be ready for it, but don’t get me wrong, this is a major shock."
Big Sam, 61, was appointed England manager in July following the nation’s disastrous Euro 2016 campaign under Roy Hodgson.
But on Tuesday, FA chairman Greg Clarke and chief executive Martin Glenn held an emergency meeting at Wembley and decided to cut loose the former Sunderland boss after just 67 days in the hotseat.
Parlour reckons Allardyce, before his alleged dodgy dealings were exposed, was the perfect man to lead the country.
He added: “It’s not ideal. I was pleased when Sam got the job. If you’re an Englishman then he’s the man for it.”
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- One win, 67 days, no pay-off - the highs and lows of Allardyce's reign
- Ray Parlour says Allardyce saga has turned England into a laughing stock
- "I'm so sorry" - Allardyce's grovelling apology after leaving post
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- Neil Ashton comment: Allardyce was arrogant, naive and stupid
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Steve Bruce, Crystal Palace gaffer Alan Pardew and Bournemouth's Eddie Howe are frontrunners to replace Allardyce, while Under-21s chief Gareth Southgate is also an option the FA could turn to.
For Parlour, though, Bruce is the best man for the job. He said: "Steve Bruce for me would be the obvious choice. He wouldn’t let anybody down and has great experience.
"The only reason he left Hull - where he did a wonderful job getting them promoted - was the financial budget.