‘Mysterious’ Sam Allardyce mural appears in Dudley

A 10ft mural of former England and West Bromwich Albion manager Sam Allardyce has appeared in Dudley.

The artwork, depicting the former Premier League boss eating orange chips, a Black Country classic, is believed to have been pasted on to a wall in Union Street on Wednesday.

Allardyce grew up in Dudley and locals have suggested the area could now have its own Banksy.

Resident Scot Simmons said: “How did he do it without anyone seeing? Did he just put it up in a couple of minutes? Is he trying to remain mysterious?”

Fellow Dudley resident Andy Smith said: “Local lad eating orange chips, what more do you want?

“There is a genuine Banksy in Birmingham, perhaps this is Dudley’s answer to Banksy.”

Mr Simmons added: “Looking at it you don’t know how good it is till you come down and see it.

“It’s put Dudley on the map. Big Sam, immortalised here, yeah it’s brilliant.”

However, one man who worked nearby was not impressed.

“Who is it? It’s just weird, it doesn’t make sense and it needs to go,” he said.

In a video message issued to ITV News, Allardyce said: “Just seen the mural that has been sent of me in Dudley, my home town.

“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.”

Allardyce managed Blackpool, Notts County, Bolton, Newcastle, Blackburn, West Ham and Sunderland during his career as well as having a short-lived spell as England boss.

Orange chips are thought to be dipped in a batter with added turmeric or paprika to give them their distinctive colour.