Sam Allardyce hired to manage England national team

In a statement published on the England FA’s website, Allardyce said that he is “extremely honored 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.” While some other managers who have held the post over the last decade might disagree with the end of that statement, Allardyce is correct in it being no secret that this was his dream job. He’s been linked with the post off and on since 2006, and every time the job has been open he’s been very clear about just how badly he wanted it.

Now the job is finally is, and so is the herculean task of figuring out how to get more out of this England side. For all of his qualities as a manager, Allardyce is inheriting a poorly balanced team that’s too old in some areas, too young in others, and has poor depth all over with insufficient options at several crucial positions. Figuring out how to put together an effective team from that will be difficult, but Allardyce has never shied away from the difficult task in his career.

Allardyce’s last club job was to help save Sunderland from relegation last season, and they don’t seem thrilled with his departure. Reports over the last few days indicated that they were frustrated and upset over the impending appointment, and their official statement announcing his departure is rather terse, saying only that they’re focused on replacing him and not imparting the usual pleasantries and well wishes.