I enjoy acting so who knows? Walking into the Rovers on Corrie would be fantastic...

Sam Allardyce is used to cliffhangers at the end of football seasons, but his latest comes on CBBC.

- ROSS KANIUK

The former England boss is making his acting debut as the first team manager for Hawx United in Jamie Johnson FC.

Appearing for the first time last week, he ended the current series asking the academy's coach to become his assistant -leaving viewers wondering what would happen next.

And, despite admitting to "sweaty armpits" moments as he followed footballing greats like Eric Cantona and Vinnie Jones into the world of drama, he impressed the show's bosses so much that his role has been extended into the next series.

Now 71, Big Sam has lost none of his competitive edge, and already has his sights set on a stint on the Cobbles.

He says: "What the future holds? Corrie, who knows? Walking in the pub would be fantastic. You never know, do you? Whatever comes along will be interesting, whatever type of character it is. I'll just wait for Luke [his manager] to ring me up and say I've got a script for you, and see if it's of any interest.

"Or obviously Jamie Johnson might continue for further series." Sam is in good company. Marcus Rashford and Leah Williamson have had cameos in the show, which has dramatic storylines around rivalries, espionage, corrupt sponsors, tensions and friendships off the pitch.

A fter 50 years in football, Sam has taken to acting like a duck to water, saying: "I like taking myself out of my comfort zone and I thought I'd see what acting is actually like.

"Although putting a camera in front of my face is not a new thing for me, performing lines that have been written for you is a different challenge.