A 10ft mural of former England manager Sam Allardyce eating orange, battered chips has appeared in his hometown of Dudley, leaving locals puzzled. The artwork, believed to have been pasted near a chip shop in the town centre on Wednesday, shows the 70-year-old football figure enjoying the local delicacy.
Allardyce himself expressed delight upon seeing the mural. In a video message to ITV News, he said: “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.”
Public reaction has been mixed. One shopper commented: “It’s a bit odd as it doesn’t have a slogan or any words, but it brightens up the place.” Another local worker, who asked not to be named and admitted he did not know who Big Sam was, described it as “the random-est thing I’ve ever seen” and added: “Who is it? It’s just weird, it doesn’t make sense and it needs to go.”
Allardyce, known as a survival specialist during his managerial career, has managed numerous clubs including Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United, Blackburn Rovers, West Ham, Sunderland, Crystal Palace, Everton, West Bromwich Albion, Leeds United, and England for one match. He has often divided opinion, once describing West Ham fans as “brainwashed” and “deluded” after they chanted abuse during a heavy defeat.
The mural also highlights the mystery of orange chips – chips fried in an orange batter. Their origin is debated, with some tracing them back to World War II rationing and others to the 1970s. The recipe often remains secret, though a Birmingham Mail version during lockdown included paprika and orange food colouring.
