Slaven Bilic feels "very sorry" for Sam Allardyce following England axe

West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has given his sympathy to Sam Allardyce following his early exit as England boss.

Allardyce was forced to leave his post at the Football Association after he was caught up in a media sting by The Telegraph.

The 61-year-old, who spent just 67 days in charge, was secretly filmed appearing to tell undercover reporters - posing as businessmen for a fake Far East investment firm - how to "get around" the FA's ban on third-party ownership of players.

When asked to give his thoughts on the news, Bilic, who replaced Allardyce at West Ham, told reporters: "I followed what has happened with England this week. It is very sad for English football.

"I am sorry for Sam. We all love our jobs and I am so happy with my job. I don't remember seeing someone who was so happy to get it. He has not lost his position from results on the pitch and I feel very sorry for him."

Meanwhile, the Hammers hope to end a run of four straight defeats in the Premier League when they face Middlesbrough at the London Stadium this weekend.