[Mhiz Rebecca]

Sam Allardyce has confirmed he has stepped down as
Crystal Palace manager, saying he has' no ambitions to
take another job'.
Reports broke on Tuesday afternoon claiming the 62-
year-old had decided to leave Selhurst Park, and he later
released a statement to confirm the rumours.
Allardyce confirmed he has not left due to a falling out
with Eagles chairman Steve Parish, and simply wishes to
take a break from the game so he can 'savour life while
I’m still relatively young'.
The former England manager also revealed he has no
plans to look for another job.
The statement released by Allardyce read: 'In some ways,
this has been a very difficult decision to make but in
others it has been a simple one.
'I will always be grateful to Crystal Palace and Steve
Parish for giving me the opportunity to go out with my
head held high having helped keep the Club in the
Premier League .
'More than, they gave me a chance of rebuilding my
reputation after what happened with England. I felt I
needed another shot at being a Premier League manager
and in helping to achieve something. As I said last
weekend, Palace gave me the chance of rehabilitation.
'That’s why it’s hard walking away now. I think the Club
are heading in the right direction with a hugely
supportive board of directors, a great squad of players
and some of the most passionate fans I’ve ever met. It’s
been a privilege to have worked here for the past five
months.
'But there comes a time when you have to take stock of
what direction you want your life to take - and that’s
been the simple part for me.
'I want to be able to savour life while I’m still relatively
young and when I’m still relatively healthy enough to do
all the things I want to do, like travel, spend more time
with my family and grandchildren without the huge
pressure that comes with being a football manager.
'This is the right time for me. I have no ambitions to take
another job, I simply want to be able to enjoy all the
things you cannot really enjoy with the 24/7 demands of
managing any football club, let alone one in the Premier
League.
'Steve Parish has been superb during our conversations
today. I know it came as a shock to him that I would
walk away but our discussions have been incredibly
civilised with no recriminations and no fall-out.
'This is not about transfer targets, finances or anything
along those lines. This is me taking the decision I believe
is right for my family and myself.
'I would like to thank everybody for their messages of
support since the news broke. I’ve no doubt I will miss
management but I certainly have no regrets at this
decision.