Sam Allardyce has stunned Crystal Palace by quitting and he indicated that he might also bring to an end his 26-year career as a manager.

He issued a statement on Tuesday night confirming that he has resigned but also to explain that there has been no bust-up or disagreement with Palace chairman Steve Parish over transfer funds, recruitment or signings.

“In some ways, this has been a very difficult decision to make but in others it has been a simple one,” Allardyce’s statement said. “I will always be grateful to Crystal Palace and Steve Parish for giving me the opportunity to go out with my head held high having helped keep the club in the Premier League. They gave me a chance of rebuilding my reputation after what happened with England. I felt I needed another shot at being a Premier League manager and in helping to achieve something. Palace gave me the chance of rehabilitation.

“That’s why it’s hard walking away now. I think the club are heading in the right direction with a hugely supportive board of directors, a great squad of players and some of the most passionate fans I’ve ever met. It’s been a privilege to have worked here for the past five months.

“But there comes a time when you have to take stock of what direction you want your life to take - and that’s been the simple part for me. I want to be able to savour life while I’m still relatively young and relatively healthy enough to do all the things I want to do, like travel, spend more time with my family and grandchildren without the huge pressure that comes with being a football manager.