Sam Allardyce reflects on the darkest days of his career after landing Crystal Palace job

Sam Allardyce has revealed that the few days after his England sacking was by far the darkest days of his career. The newly appointed Crystal Palace manager was given his marching orders after he was seen discussing how to find ways around the rules behind player transfers in a Daily Telegraph video, which was investigating corruption in football.

However, his return to management was quick, only 67 days after being sacked from the helm. Allardyce is determined to earn his reputation back again by getting Palace out of the muddle they find themselves in. The Eagles relieved Alan Pardew of his services after the former Newcastle manager led them to 17th in the table, only one point clear of the relegation zone.

"The first four weeks was one of the darkest moments of my career," Allardyce told Sky Sports. "Certainly the early reaction, which was hysterical to say the least looking back at it. My family and I have had that problem, we've all had to deal with that problem but eventually time passes by and you overcome those adversities and move on.

"Moving on, and finally putting this to bed, is taking this job and being determined to be a good manager at Crystal Palace again."

Allardyce is known for his combative style of football. He got Sunderland out of soup after getting on board in the second half of the season. He has been brought in to recover Palace from a similar situation, who have won only one game from their last 11 in the league.

However, Allardyce insists that the job he took over at Sunderland last season was much harder and his experience from pulling the Black Cats out of trouble will come handy this time around.

"We've got to do it, it is part of the quick process to turnaround difficult situations at the moment," he added. "It is not a difficult as the position Sunderland were in (when I took over)."