This archive report was first published on 11 July 2019.
Former England manager Sam Allardyce has revealed he was approached to take the vacant manager's job at Newcastle United but politely declined the offer.
According to Allardyce, who managed Newcastle from 2007 to 2008, he was flattered by the consideration but ultimately decided not to return to the club.
"I was very flattered that I was considered but it's that thing... don't go back," Allardyce told talkSPORT in a recent interview.
Published on July 11, 2019, Allardyce's decision comes after Rafa Benitez left the club at the end of his contract last month.
British media have reported that former Manchester United defender Steve Bruce is among the frontrunners for the Newcastle hot seat, and Allardyce believes Bruce would relish the opportunity to take up a fresh challenge on Tyneside.
"If he gets offered the job I'll think he'll jump at the chance," Allardyce said. "I think it would be one of his dreams to manage his hometown club."
