Allardyce named England manager
Former Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce was named England manager on Friday, becoming the 18th gaffer at the helm of the Three Lions.
Allardyce has signed an initial two-year deal and takes the position with immediate effect, according to a statement on the Football Association's (FA) website.
"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 Friday.
Chosen by the FA's three-man selection panel of chief Martin Glenn, technical director Dan Ashworth, and acting chairman David Gill, Allardyce was a unanimous selection for the position vacant since Roy Hodgson stepped down following an embarrassing Euro 2016 last-16 defeat to minnow Iceland.
"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."
It's official. We are delighted to announce that Sam Allardyce is the new manager of the #ThreeLions! pic.twitter.com/7L3y9S62TP
— England (@England) July 22, 2016
Not known for having a penchant for cultivating younger players, Allardyce's newest job will involve more than just developing an underwhelming senior squad.
"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."
With previous positions that include spells with Newcastle, West Ham, and most recently Sunderland, Allardyce brings more than 25 years experience managing top-tier sides.
His first order of business will be squad selection for a friendly at Wembley Stadium on Sept. 1, three days before a 2018 World Cup qualifier against Slovakia in Trnava.