Almost a month after their shock exit from Euro 2016 at the hands of Iceland, England have named Sam Allardyce as Roy Hodgson’s replacement. Hodgson had stepped down minutes after Iceland beat them 2-1 in the Round of 16 and the England FA had been looking at prospective candidates ever since.
The former Sunderland manager was officially appointed today, two days later than expected as they ironed out the details of the compensation package with the Premier League club. The 61-year-old now becomes the 14th full-time manager to take over the reins of the Three Lions.
The FA released a statement talking about his “proven track record” for getting results and also spoke of his “forward thinking and progressive ideas”.
“Alongside his primary target of qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, Allardyce has a mandate to shape a strong, purposeful team identity and maximise the performance potential of a young, talented England squad at a major tournament.
“Allardyce is also charged with helping [technical director Dan] Ashworth integrate and strengthen the FA’s elite performance and coaching programme across the England senior and development teams at St. George’s Park.”
The new England boss said he was honoured to be appointed as the new Three Lions boss and said that it was “no secret” that it was a role he always wanted and that it was the “best job in English football”.
“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.”
Sunderland also release statement
The Premier League club also released a statement of their own to confirm the departure of their manager. However, the club did not look too happy with the entire ordeal and did not wish “Big Sam” all the best for the future.
“Sunderland AFC confirms the departure of Sam Allardyce, who takes up the position of England manager with immediate effect,” their statement said.
“The focus of everyone at Sunderland AFC now is on moving forward quickly and decisively, with the appointment of the club’s new manager to be confirmed at the earliest opportunity.”
