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Sunderland Manager, Sam Allardyce is set to be the next coach of the English national team following the FA’s board meeting at Wembley.
No formal announcement has been made yet but FA chairman Greg Dyke told Sky Sports outside Wembley ahead of Thursday’s board meeting that the three-man panel entrusted with appointing the new England manager have recommended Sam Allardyce.
He said:
“The three-man group are convinced (Allardyce) is the right man, and I would agree with them”.
Manchester United coach, Jose Mourinho, has promised to support the new England boss.
TalkSport quoted the Special One as saying:
“I think he is a good choice but I think he needs support and I think you can do better in respect to that because my experience in your country shows that me you, (the) football world, could do a bit better.
“I think Sam never had the big chance at the highest level – lots of experiences in the Premier League but never that big one.
“And now he has the big one, so I think he is more than ready. I think he is a good motivator, I think he can create a good team spirit with his player and I wish him the best.
“From my side, not just as a friend but my side as Man United manager, the only thing I can promise is that I am going to try to support him the best way, prepare the players for him, try to have the English players always available in a good condition to help him.
“I hope you can do the same because it’s your time. In Portugal we were waiting and waiting and finally we got it. I think it is time for you because ’66 (when England won their one and only major international trophy) was a long time ago, so good luck Big Sam.”
Allardyce, 61, will replace Roy Hodgson, who quit in June after England’s surprise defeat by Iceland in the last 16 of Euro 2016.
The Big Sam as he is fondly called will leave Sunderland after nine months at the Premier League club. He has also managed West Ham, Newcastle, Bolton and Notts County.
Chelsea coach, Antonio Conte, told Chelsea’s official website:
“I know Sam. I visited him at the West Ham training ground two years ago,” he told Chelsea’s official website. “I can say the experience is fantastic because you are the coach of your country and this is a great responsibility.
“You feel great pressure but it’s fantastic. You represent your country, your colours.
“I am happy for him if becomes the manager of the national team.”