Sunderland manager, Sam Allardyce has left the Stadium of Light having been announced as the new manager of England.

Always been the favourite

It won't be a surprise to many that Allardyce is the new national team coach, having been one of the firm favourites for the role after the resignation of Roy Hodgson, due England's poor performance at Euro 2016.

There were a host of names linked with the coveted role, but Allardyce seemed to always be the favourite - along with Hull City's Steve Bruce - with both being interviewed for the role after the Black Cats gave the manager to speak to the FA.

Allardyce was with the Sunderland squad on Wednesday evening, taking charge of what proved to be his final game as the main man on Wearside, as Sunderland defeated neighbours, Hartlepool United at Victoria Park.

Jose Mourinho with England manager Sam Allardyce | Photo: Getty Images
Jose Mourinho with England manager Sam Allardyce | Photo: Getty Images

Right man for the job

​Allardyce has been more than a success at a domestic level, doing great things with the likes of Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United, Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United.

It is too early to say if he can bring that on a national level, but Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho and former England boss, Sven-Goran Eriksson said he is the right man for the job.

Mourinho believes "he is more than ready" as Allardyce is "a good motivator and can create a good team spirit".

He concluded: "I wish him the best. I promise to try and supply him players and try to make sure the English players are always available in good condition."

Eriksson said "Sam's been in English football for a long time" and has "always been doing very well". He feels if "the FA want an Englishman, he is one of several good names", adding: "I wish him the best of luck. I know he is very organised. He knows all the players and he wants the job."

Sunderland will take on Rotherham United at the New York City Stadium on Saturday, July 23 with kick-off at 3pm BST.

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About the author
Danial  Kennedy
Award-winning sports journalism graduate. Currently studying a PR Masters at the University of Sunderland. Writing for VAVEL since August 2014. Twitter - @ddkjournalism.