SIR Bobby Charlton has stepped in to save the day after Sam Allardyce cancelled his hometown visit to commemorate a footballing legend from Dudley.

Crisis talks with his bosses at the Football Association (FA) over allegations he offered to advise fake businessmen on how to get around FA rules, Allardyce resigned from his dream job last night (Tuesday).

The 61-year-old, who was born and raised in Dudley and began his football career in the town, was due to return home on Saturday (October 1) to unveil a plaque dedicated to Manchester United and England hero Duncan Edwards, who also came from Dudley and died as a result of the Munich air crash in 1958.

Following claims in the Daily Telegraph, a media storm gathered around the Wren's Nest-born manager and fans were left wondering if he would still make an appearance at what he had previously described as “a noteworthy occasion” at Priory Park.

But this morning (Wednesday), Dudley’s deputy mayor, Councillor Dave Tyler, who has organised the event with Dudley MP Ian Austin, was told Allardyce would no longer be attending.

Cllr Tyler contacted Manchester United to see if the club could help find another VIP to unveil the plaque at the park’s pavilion at 3pm.

He added: “We looked at Sam Allardyce because he was a local lad and as he was the England manager, we thought it would be a fitting tribute but we are really pleased that Bobby Charlton is now coming.

"He's always been a good friend to Dudley and has been here many times.

"It's the icing on the cake.”