Sam Allardyce, known as “Big Sam” to football fans, will be named the new England manager by the end of today, according to various reports.
Big Sam is set to take over from the retired Roy Hodgson, who stepped down from his post as the national team’s coach following a disastrous Euro 2016 campaign. Allardyce will leave Sunderland as a result of his new role, after managing the Premier League squad for nine months.
England’s decision to hire Allardyce will force them to compensate Sunderland, who still have a year-long contract with the manager. Sunderland released a statement regarding the reports, which reads: “Naturally we are aware of the intense media speculation this evening, however, at the present time Sam Allardyce remains Sunderland manager.
“We share in the anger and frustration of our supporters and would like to assure them that we are working to conclude the matter in the best interests of Sunderland AFC.”
Allardyce has never won a major football trophy, though helped secure Premier League promotion for both West Ham and Bolton. When given the role, Allardyce would first be tasked with securing World Cup qualification for the national squad, which the qualifying round beginning in September. He is expected to be appointed as the new England manager during an FA board meeting later today.
