‘Our journey has begun’ – FA blunders after Allardyce departure

Rob Conlon
Sam Allardyce: Manager left after newspaper sting

Sam Allardyce: Manager left after newspaper sting

The FA have been involved in two embarrassing blunders with players and supporters following Sam Allardyce’s departure as England manager.

Allardyce was forced to step down after only one game in charge following the Daily Telegraph‘s investigation into corruption in English football.

And according to the Daily Mail, the players who were part of Allardyce’s one and only squad – for the 1-0 win at Slovakia – received a signed postcard from the manager which read: “Well done! Our journey has begun with our first win together. Looking forward to seeing you soon.”

Rather awkwardly, the players did not receive the message until after the 61-year-old had left his post.

Meanwhile, the FA have also had to bin 4,000 t-shirts which they had planned to give to supporters for England’s game against Malta.

The fixture was due to mark Allardyce’s first in charge of the national side at Wembley, and the t-shirts were emblazoned with the slogan:  “The journey starts with us all pulling together” – which the former Sunderland boss said on the day of his appointment.

A crowd mosaic of coloured cards has also been scrapped, meaning the FA have wasted £25,000.