21 May 2023 , 15:19
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Sam Allardyce entertainingly offered the fourth official a £5 note that he had found on the touchline during Leeds’ crucial showdown with West Ham.
The 68-year-old took his side to the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon aiming to haul them away from their growing relegation troubles. The Yorkshire side enjoyed a dream start as Spanish forward Rodrigo volleyed them into the lead during the first period.
Allardyce was then handed another bonus as he spotted a £5 note on the touchline at the London Stadium. He picked it up before jokingly offering it to the fourth official for the game, Andrew Madley.
His kind offer was not taken up and then Allardyce was jokingly beckoned back to his technical area where he shared a joke with assistant Karl Robinson. Whilst it remains to be seen who the note actually belonged to, the Leeds boss quickly pocketed the cash.
A number of fans shared their delight at the incident on social media. One supporter said: “Sam Allardyce offering a £5 he found on the touchline to the fourth official. What a legend.” Meanwhile, another said: “Allardyce is hilarious man.”
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Whilst the exchange left a number entertained, Allardyce’s mood soon soured as his former side West Ham flipped the game on its head. Declan Rice equalised for the Hammers before the break, with Jarrod Bowen eventually putting the home side ahead.
Allardyce picks up the £5 note before offering it to the fourth official (Sky Sports)Who do you think will be relegated from the Premier League on the final day? Share your predictions in the comments below
Manuel Lanzini rounded off victory for the Hammers late on as he latched onto a cross from Lucas Paqueta following some stunning skill from the Brazilian.
That result leaves Leeds in deep relegation trouble. Ahead of the final match of the season against Tottenham at Elland Road, they sit 18th and two points from safety.
They could yet fall even further should Leicester earn anything from their trip to face Newcastle at St James’ Park on Monday. Regardless of their eventual fortunes, Allardyce faces an uncertain future.
He only signed a contract until the end of the season after replacing Javi Gracia at the helm. Asked if he could continue beyond the end of the campaign after arriving at Leeds, he replied: "Never say never. Depends on what happens at the end of the four matches and what the conversation is all about. How I feel and more importantly how the wife feels."
Since arriving at Leeds, Allardyce has overseen three games so far. He started with a 2-1 defeat at the hands of newly-crowned champions Manchester City before earning a 2-2 draw against another of his former sides Newcastle.
However, it appears that the defeat to West Ham has all but condemned Leeds to a return to the Championship. Even a result against Spurs on the last day might not be enough for the Yorkshire club to stay up.