Sam Allardyce: ‘I know we have talented players – it is time for us to deliver,’ says new England manager
Allardyce was named Three Lions boss on Friday afternoon
JUBILANT Sam Allardyce admits he 'can't stop smiling' after being named England manager.
The Football Association confirmed that Allardyce would be taking over the job on Friday afternoon, after agreeing to pay Sunderland £3million in compensation.
And the former Bolton, Newcastle and West Ham boss, 61, admitted he had been waiting his whole career to land the role.
In a video message to fans, grinning Allardyce said: “Excuse me, I can’t stop smiling because I’ve got this job.
“This is a job I’ve waited for for many, many years.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be sat in this privileged position of being England’s national team manager.
“It’s going to be a great thrill for me to take the team forward and hopefully make everybody so proud of the England team again.”
Allardyce takes over from Roy Hodgson who resigned after a humiliating Euro 2016 campaign saw England lose to minnows Iceland at the last-16 stage.
He added: "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.
"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.
Allardyce was a unanimous choice by England's three-man selection committee.
Of English managers only Harry Redknapp has taken charge of more games than Big Sam.
He will pick his first squad at the end of August ahead of a friendly on 1 September and the 2018 World Cup qualifier against Slovakia in Trnava three days later.
FA chief executive Martin Glenn said: "Sam Allardyce is the right man for the England job.
"His excellent managerial credentials, including his ability to realise the potential of players and teams, develop a strong team ethos and embrace modern methods that enhance performance, made him the outstanding choice."
A statement on the Sunderland website 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."
The Black Cats have already lined up former Manchester United and Everton manager David Moyes to take over at the Stadium of Light.