Sam Allardyce To Replace Roy Hodgson As England Manager

Sam Allardyce is set to become the new England manager.

Allardyce replaces Roy Hodgson, who led England to a disastrous Euro 2016 finals appearance, which ended with the team's exit at the last 16 stage, when they were beaten 2-1 by Iceland.

There are many who feel that - while the talent exists in England - what is needed most is a manager who can motivate the team. Allardyce fits that description, in that he has certainly succeeded in the past in getting teams to play above themselves. Even as late as the last Premiership campaign, he took Sunderland from last place, clear of relegation in a matter of months, after he replaced Dick Advocaat. The question now is: can he do the same for a nation of footballing under-achievers.

The man, who began his managerial career with Limerick, faces a major challenge. While it would be wrong to characterise him as a long-ball neanderthal, there is no doubt that he will put pragmatism ahead of playing the kind of neat and tidy passing football that English fans like to think their team is capable of.

Allardyce has tended to favour hard-working players over superstars. And he also likes a big man upfront. So might we see a return to England action for Andy Carroll, who signed for West Ham under Big Sam?

Over the past 24 hours, reports had also suggested that the FA were talking to Steve Bruce of Hull City. The implication is clear: they had decided that come hell or high water, they were going to appoint an English coach. And with the relative dearth of talent currently operating at the highest level in British – never mind European – football, that meant that they would be focused two or three candidates at the most.

And will it work? Well, it remains to be see how some of the more precocious talents in the England camp will react to Sam and his methods. He is an intelligent man and a tough customer, who will not take any nonsense from the modern breed of pampered pros.

The saddest thing is that the appointment came a few years too late for Kevin Nolan! There is little doubt that five years ago, he’d have been elevated straight into the England team. And you know what? The real shame is that there is no obvious payer with the qualities Nolan brought to his A-game. Dele Ali has lots of potential. But Kevin Nolan would never have let an England manager down. Can the same be said of the young Tottenham star?