Back to the Crystal Palace Newsfeed

Premier League and English football will miss 'Big Sam' Allardyce dearly

This is a modal window.

Paul Mariner tells us why he thinks Sam Allardyce has decided to leave Crystal Palace so suddenly.

Farewell, Sam Allardyce. We shall not see your like again. After 44 years in professional football, one of the Premier League's most colourful, divisive and, depending on your perspective, successful managers has chosen to walk away from the game at the age of 62.

His decision to resign from Crystal Palace -- and, if we are to accept his stated intent not to "take another job," retire from the game -- is entirely understandable.