Big Sam's chuffed with 'wonderful' mural but mystery remains whether the former England manager is partial to orange chips
It is the cheeky mural in Dudley which has got the country talking and now its star Big Sam has had his say.
Combining two Black Country icons, orange chips and the former England manager, the ten foot mural appeared on Union Street earlier this week and sparked a flurry of headlines.
Depicting the Dudley born 70-year-old tucking into a bag of orange chips, its origins still remain a mystery. As does Mr Allardyce's attitude to the Black Country's beloved orange chip.
But Big Sam, known for drinking red wine by the pint glass, told ITV News, he was chuffed with his hometown homage.
He said in a video message to ITV News. “Just seen the mural. 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.”
One of the most upsetting consequences of Big Sam losing his England manager's job in 2016 was him being unable to unveil the Duncan Edwards statue in the town. The long-standing appointment coincided with the FA forcing him to resign from the job he loved and only held for a matter of months over comments he made to an undercover reporter.
Former Manchester United hero Sir Bobby Charlton had to step in and replace Big Sam at the ceremony.
One of the Premier League's most successful domestic managers Sam has took the helm at Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United, Blackburn Rovers, West Ham, Sunderland, Crystal Palace, Everton, West Bromwich Albion and Leeds United.
Allardyce grew up on Wren's Nest estate and was educated at Sycamore Green Primary School and later at Wren's Nest School.
Never afraid to say what he thinks, it is unknown whether Sam is partial to an orange chip or not.
