A 10ft mural of former England manager Sam Allardyce eating orange chips has appeared in his home town of Dudley, leaving locals puzzled. The artwork, pasted on a wall near a chip shop in the town centre, shows the 70-year-old former football boss enjoying the local delicacy.
Allardyce himself has given the mural his seal of approval. 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 divided. One shopper described it as “a bit odd”, adding: “It doesn’t have a slogan or any words, but it brightens up the place.” However, a local worker who did not recognise Allardyce called it “the random-est thing I’ve ever seen” and said “it needs to go”.
The mural’s origin remains a mystery. Orange chips – chips fried in an orange batter – are a local speciality with debated origins, some tracing back to wartime rationing or the 1970s. The recipe often remains secret, though a Birmingham Mail version includes paprika and orange food colouring.
Allardyce, known as ‘Big Sam’, had a long managerial career including spells at Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United, West Ham, and England for one match. His outspoken nature often divided opinion, as demonstrated by West Ham fans chanting abuse during a 6-0 defeat at Manchester City.
