Allardyce named England manager

Sam Allardyce is the new England manager.

During a 25-year managerial career, Allardyce has led Notts County, Bolton and West Ham to promotion, and last year kept Sunderland in the Premier League. He was interviewed for the England job following Sven-Goran Eriksson's departure in 2006 but lost out to Steve McCLaren.

The Football Association began the search for a new manager when Roy Hodgson stepped down immediately after England were beaten by Iceland in the round of 16 at Euro 2016.

FA chief executive Martin Glenn, vice-chairman David Gill and technical director Dan Ashworth were charged with finding Hodgson's replacement and quickly complied a shortlist of potential candidates.

Allardyce was last week granted permission to speak to the FA by Sunderland - leaving the club's pre-season tour of Austria last week to hold talks, while Steve Bruce was also interviewed by the panel.

Both Sunderland and Hull called for the FA to make a swift decision, with the new Premier League season just over three weeks away.

Allardyce's appointment was ratified at a FA board meeting on Thursday but the official announcement was delayed as the governing board agreed a compensation package with Sunderland.

"Following a comprehensive and structured process, The Football Association is today delighted to confirm Sam Allardyce as England manager," a statement from the FA read.

"The unanimous choice of The FA’s three-man selection panel, comprising FA chief executive Martin Glenn, technical director Dan Ashworth and acting chairman David Gill, Allardyce arrives with a proven track record of getting the best results out of the teams he has managed and a strong reputation as a forward-thinker with 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's first competitive game in charge will be the World Cup qualifier against Slovakia on September 4.

"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 commented.

"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."

Sunderland released a statement a shorttime later confirming Allardyce's departure.

"Sunderland AFC confirms the departure of Sam Allardyce, who takes up the position of England manager with immediate effect," the club 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."