Allardyce: ‘I want success England deserves’

Matt Stead

England have confirmed the appointment of Sam Allardyce as their new manager, replacing Roy Hodgson.

Sunderland manager Allardyce had held talks with the national team throughout the week with regards to taking the vacant role left by Hodgson after Euro 2016.

Announcing the 61-year-old’s appointment on their website, the FA described Allardyce as ‘the unanimous choice’ of the three-man panel tasked with selecting the new manager: Martin Glenn, Dan Ashworth and David Gill.

“I am extremely honoured to be appointed England manager especially as it is no secret that this is the role I have always wanted,” Allardyce said. “For me, it is absolutely the best job in English football,” he added. Daniel Storey disagrees.

“I will do everything I can to help England do well and give our nation the success our fans deserve. Above all, we have to make the people and the whole country proud.

“While my main focus will be on the senior team and getting positive results, I want to add my influence to the great work being done across the development teams at St. George’s Park – a facility I have used with my previous clubs.

“I know we have talented, committed players and it is time for us to deliver.”

Sarah Winterburn fears that Allardyce will now transform into Sam Allardici, not Big Sam. John Nicholson feels we must swallow this bitter pill.

In their search for Hodgson’s successor Glenn, Gill and Ashworth also interviewed Steve Bruce, reported to have left his job with Hull earlier on Friday, and considered Arsene Wenger, Eddie Howe and Jurgen Klinsmann.

But Allardyce emerged as the clear favourite and the trio presented their findings to the FA board on Thursday.

Glenn said: “Sam Allardyce is the right man for the England job.

“His excellent managerial credentials, including his ability to realise the potential of players and teams, develop a strong team ethos and embrace modern methods that enhance performance, made him the outstanding choice.

“That was underlined when we sat down to talk and we could not help but be energised by his personal perspective on England’s future and how it complemented the extensive work that we are looking to build on at St George’s Park.

“Dan Ashworth, David Gill and I have carried out a thorough process in the last three weeks and ultimately we could not look beyond Sam as the ideal candidate.”