Sunderland’s Sam Allardyce appointed England manager
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England appointed Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce as its new manager on Friday, effective immediately.
Allardyce, 61, replaces Roy Hodgson in the national team role after keeping Sunderland out of the relegation zone last season. He was the unanimous choice of the FA’s three-man selection panel.
“I am extremely honoured to be appointed England manager especially as it is no secret that this is the role I have always wanted. For me, it is absolutely the best job in English football,” Allardyce said in a statement. “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,” Allardyce added. “I know we have talented, committed players and it is time for us to deliver.”
“Sam Allardyce is the right man for the England job,” FA chief executive Martin Glenn said. “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.”
Allardyce becomes the fourth England manager of the past 10 years, and will debut in a friendly match against a still-unnamed opponent on Sept. 1. England opens World Cup qualification on Sept. 4 against Slovakia. The team fell to upstart Iceland in the Round of 16 at this summer’s Euro.
