A FOOTBALL fan has started an online petition to get Sam Allardyce reinstated as England manager because he has “learned his lesson”.

John Heaney, of Horwich, launched his Bring Big Sam Back as England Manager appeal after the shamed football boss’s contract was terminated.

The 61-year-old left the job after he was covertly filmed advising undercover reporters about how to sidestep FA transfer regulations.

Throughout the country his actions have been met with anger and disappointment, but Mr Heaney has only admiration for the former Bolton Wanderers manager.

The 52-year-old businessman, said: “Sam is a passionate man, what you see is what you get. He is a straight talking man’s man and holds the attention of those he addresses.

“It is exactly this that the English national football team needs and until he fails on the field I see no reason to see the position differently.”

Mr Allardyce was captured allegedly appearing to tell reporters that it was “not a problem” getting around FA rules that stop third parties “owning” football players’ economic rights.

The controversial practice was banned by the FA in 2008 over concerns it compromised the integrity of the game, as the third party could profit whenever a player was sold.

Mr Heaney says the manager just “made a mistake”.

"Almost everyone would admit they have previously made a mistake they now regret," said Mr Heaney.

“But it is how a mistake is handled that makes the difference — Sam Allardyce is no different in this."

His petition to reinstate the manager has gathered 320 signatures so far and Mr Heaney says it would be great to achieve 250,000 signatures.

He added: “If I could get 10 per cent of the population that would be amazing, however, if I could achieve 10 percent of the weekly average gate of all clubs in the Premiership, Championship and Football Leagues, which is around 250,000, I would feel it has been worth it.

“The petition has been created to bring awareness and remind the FA that football is about the players, supporters and achieving great things with the right motivators in place.

“I believe right now Sam was and still is the right man to do this and I believe he should be given the chance to make amends. I’m sure he’s learnt a valuable lesson.”

To sign the petition click here