Former England women’s coach Mark Sampson takes over at Stevenage in first managerial job since FA sacking

The 36-year-old replaces Dino Maamria at Borough two years after his sacking for ‘inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour’

Former England women’s coach Mark Sampson has been placed in caretaker charge of League Two side Stevenage.

Borough, without a win so far this season, sacked boss Dino Maamria on Monday morning and have asked Sampson to fill the void.

“Following a strong run of results at the end of the 2018/19 season, where Stevenage finished the season in 10th place with six wins from the final seven games, missing the play-offs by one point, the club have not recorded a win so far this season and currently sit 23rd place in League Two,” a statement read.

“Mark Sampson will assume control of the team in a caretaker role, assisted by newly appointed U18 manager Alex Revell, until further notice.”

The 36-year-old Sampson joined Maamria’s coaching staff in the summer, in his first job since leaving the England role.

England celebrate Nikita Parris‘ goal with the manager prior to his dismissal (Getty)

Sampson was sacked by the Football Association in September 2017 following the emergence of “inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour” in his previous role as manager at Bristol Academy.

He was dismissed one day after England beat Russia 6-0 following a previous safeguarding investigation into his time at Bristol, where he had a six-month relationship with a player aged over 18.

Sampson had also been the focus of bullying and racism claims, first made by Eni Aluko and then Drew Spence.

Mark Sampson was the focus of bullying and racism claims made by Eni Aluko (pictured) and Drew Spence (PA)

The FA said the allegations were investigated and Sampson was cleared of any wrongdoing.

But Sampson, who reached a financial settlement with the FA over his dismissal in January of this year, conceded he should have handled the claims differently, saying it would always be a “big regret” and apologising unreservedly to the two players.

PA