Sam Allardyce turns down chance to become new Newcastle boss for second time
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SAM ALLARDYCE has revealed he snubbed the chance to speak to Newcastle - because you should never "go back".
Big Sam’s agent Mark Curtis was sounded out about an amazing return to St James' Park by Toon managing director Lee Charnley last week.
But out-of-work Allardyce - who had an ill-fated eight-month spell at Newcastle in 2007-08 - admitted he did not want to replace the revered Rafa Benitez.
Allardyce, 64, told he was 'flattered' to be asked but swiftly rejected the opportunity.
'NOT GOING BACK'
Speaking on Alan Brazil's Sports Breakfast he said: “They had a chat with my agent and as much as I respect Newcastle, Newcastle fans and Mike Ashley - it wasn’t for me.
“I politely said ‘no’ and moved on.
“That thing was in my mind - don’t go back.
“Maybe if it was the first time around, I’d have maybe jumped at it - but not now.
“I appreciated the offer. I was extremely surprised. I was very flattered that I was considered but it was about not going back."
It wasn’t something I thought about for too long
Sam Allardyce on returning to Newcastle
Having departed the England job amid corruption allegations after just 67 days in charge in 2016, Allardyce went on to manage Crystal Palace for five months before another short stint at .
Big Sam was in charge at Goodison Park from November 2017 to May 2018 and his direct style of play quickly became unpopular among Toffees' fans.
And despite a lengthy absence from the game, the ex-West Ham boss did not spend too much time pondering a return to management.
He added: “I had a think about it but it wasn’t something I thought about for too long.
“I thought it would be better that I made a quick decision for everybody because they are in pre-season now, I would have had to have been there in a day.
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“I never got to talk to Mike. It was just my agent contacted me.
“I had a quick think about it and a look at the situation and thanked them very much for contacting Mark, but it's not for me.”
Newcastle are now trying to hire Sheffield Wednesday boss Steve Bruce, who held talks with Charnley on Wednesday.
