Big Sam gets the big job: Allardyce to manage England
The Sunderland boss has been named new manager of England on Friday, replacing Roy Hodgson at the helm of the Three Lions.
It is official.
Reports in the UK press on Wednesday stated that current Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce was to be unveiled as the new manager of England and on Friday 22 July the English FA confirmed the news.
The 61-year-old former Bolton, Newcastle and West Ham manager takes over from Roy Hodgson, who stepped down after England's humiliating last-16 exit to Iceland at the European Championship in June.
"Big Sam" Allardyce was in line for the job a decade ago when Sven-Goran Eriksson departed after the 2006 World Cup, but lost out to Steve McClaren.
He becomes England's 15th permanent manager with Allardyce's appointment coming on the 50th anniversary of the country's 1966 World Cup triumph.
Hull manager Steve Bruce (who earlier in the day resigned from his club role) was also interviewed for the job while Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe and USA coach Jürgen Klinsmann were also reported to be on the FA's shortlist.
Both Sunderland and Hull publicly called for a new England manager to be hired immediately so they could focus on finding a replacement or get back to planning for the new season, which gets under way on August 13.
England were keen to have a new boss in place in time for a scheduled friendly on September 1 and the opening 2018 World Cup qualifier in Slovakia on September 4.
Allardyce is believed to have been given a glowing recommendation by former Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson.
Earlier on Wednesday, FA chief executive Martin Glenn had told Sky Sports News: "We're not after a short-term mercenary, someone just to do the job for a couple of years. I want someone to come in to the England role to really work with not just the senior team, but to make sure all the great work with the under-16s, 17s, 18s and to knit all that together.”
"We want someone to do a great job for the England national team, but as well make sure all the development teams are laddering up to something more effective."
Allardyce took over the Sunderland hot-seat from Dick Advocaat in October 2015 and safely guided the Black Cats to Premier League safety after a season-long battle to avoid relegation. The northeast club now face the task of finding a ninth permanent boss in less than eight years.
Sunderland were unhappy with the way news of Allardyce's discussions leaked out but they have drawn up a list of potential candidates and it is understood the names of former Everton and Real Sociedad manager David Moyes and Burnley's Sean Dyche are at the top of it.