Sam Allardyce could be tempted into a football ­comeback – if he can persuade his missus.

Allardyce, 62, quit Crystal Palace four months ago and has gone into retirement.

But best mate Kevin 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, who has become a family friend after playing for Allardyce at ­Bolton, Newcastle and West Ham.

Allardyce said the time is right to step away from management (
Image:
Getty)

“Sam wants to get away with Lynne these days because she has been a major part of his success with the backing she has given him.

“I remember Lynne, when Sam was managing a club, she’d turn off the telly from one o’clock in the afternoon until seven at night. The radio was off as well.

“She didn’t want to hear about anything and she’d say to Sam, ­‘Whenever you ring me, I don’t want to know about the score’.

“Lynne put a lot of work into ­Bolton when Sam was there and then, when he went to Newcastle, I think she got a bit upset at how he was treated.

“When Sam was at West Ham, she came down and everything was fine, but towards the end it got a bit sour. She probably fell out of love with the game.

Kevin Nolan is now the manager of Notts County (
Image:
Alex Livesey)

“They are a lovely couple and it’s a matter of fact that any job has got to suit them both.”

Allardyce met his wife-to-be when he was a youth team player at Bolton and they have been married 33 years.

Nolan has known ­Allardyce for 18 years and phoned him for ­advice before taking the Notts County job, when they were in the League Two ­relegation zone eight months ago.

Allardyce also managed County early in his career and Nolan is ­following in his footsteps.

He rescued County from the drop to non-League and now has them chasing promotion.

“Sam doesn’t need to come back because of money,” he added. “It will because he’s got a genuine love for football and any job would have to be right for both him and Lynne.

Nolan and Allardyce at West Ham (
Image:
Christopher Lee)

“If it’s a short term job, then Sam might be able to persuade her in that respect. And, by then when Sam’s been home a lot, Lynne might be saying, ‘Yes, go!’.”

Allardyce had a one-match stint as England boss, but had to leave in ­controversial circumstances.

“An international job would suit him best where Sam could still do his media work, still be with Lynne a lot, but go and do the games as well,” said Nolan.

“If Sam doesn’t come back to football, it will be a shame because I feel he has still got a load to offer. When you lose people like him, it’s a major loss to us all.

“But I know I can pick up the phone and he will give me the right advice. I’m lucky in that respect.”