Mysterious 10ft mural of former North East football boss eating...

In his hometown, a mystery 10-foot-tall artwork depicting former North East football manager Sam Allardyce

chowing down on a big bag of chips has surfaced on a wall close to a fast-food restaurant, leading to conjecture on its

origin.

On Wednesday, a mural depicting the 70-year-old former manager of Sunderland and Newcastle United is thought

to have been affixed to a wall in Union Street, which is located in the heart of Dudley, West Midlands.

Wearing his signature touchline suit and tie, it depicts the former England manager bringing a slightly battered

orange chip—a regional specialty—to his teeth.

Allardyce, who was born and raised in Dudley and managed other clubs including Everton and Bolton Wanderers,

has thanked whoever is behind the artwork.

In a video message issued to ITV News, he said: “Just seen the mural that has been sent of me in Dudley, my home

town. Absolutely privileged to be honest with you, I thought it was a very good likeness.

“Chips look a bit hot, but I really enjoyed seeing it. Whoever did it, thank you very much!”

A shopper passing the mural on Friday said it was nice to see something paying tribute to someone who was proud of

their roots in Dudley.

“It’s a bit odd as it doesn’t have a slogan or any words, but it brightens up the place,” the man said.

One local employee, who wished to remain anonymous and said that he had no idea who was portrayed in the

painting, called it “the randomest thing I’ve ever seen.”

“Who is it?” said the man. It needs to disappear because it’s strange and illogical.

Allardyce was appointed club captain after joining Sunderland as a player in July 1980, however he only played for

Wearside for one season.

One of the highlights of his flamboyant management career was a tumultuous seven-month stint at Newcastle

United beginning in May 2007.

In 2015, when Sunderland was 19th in the Premier League, he rejoined the team as manager, taking Dick Advocaat’s

place.

After defeating Everton 3-0 on May 11, 2016, he successfully guided Sunderland out of relegation, a victory that

guaranteed his previous team Newcastle’s relegation.

After being accused of malpractice, Allardyce quit Sunderland after just 67 days to take a position as manager of the

England national team.

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