Former Crystal Palace boss Sam Allardyce could be tempted back into management.

That's according to good friend Kevin Nolan, who played for Big Sam at Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle and West Ham.

Nolan – now making a successful job of managing Notts County – says Big Sam will be back.

“I don't think you will see Sam signing three-year contracts," said Nolan.

“But if it's a short-term fix when managers are losing their jobs in January and February, the first ­person they're going to call is Sam."

Allardyce's wife, Lynne, will have a big say, though.

“Lynne's a lovely woman and Sam speaks a lot about her," said Nolan to the Mirror.