London: Football Association chairman Greg Dyke has confirmed Sam Allardyce will be hired as England’s next manager at an FA board meeting at Wembley on Thursday.
Allardyce has been selected by a three-man panel, who decided the Sunderland boss was the best bet on a shortlist that also included Hull manager Steve Bruce, Bournemouth chief Eddie Howe and USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann.
It has been reported that the FA’s first choice was Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, but when he snubbed their approach, Allardyce, who had received a strong recommendation from former Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson, shot to the top of their list of candidates to replace Roy Hodgson.
Dyke is due to step down after three years as FA chairman on Thursday but, although he was not involved in the headhunting process, he will be present as FA chief executive Martin Glenn and vice-chairman David Gill present their reasons for nominating Allardyce.
Asked if Allardyce was the man to take over from Hodgson, who stepped down after England’s humiliating Euro 2016 defeat against Iceland, Dyke told Sky Sports News: “Clearly the three-man group are convinced he’s the right man and I go along with that, yes.
“We appointed a three-man committee to go out and look at all the candidates, come back with a recommendation who they thought was the best man. They’ve taken that decision and obviously we’ll agree with them.
“I think you’d have to ask them but as far as I understand it that’s the discussion.”
Once that is ratified the business of finalising the details will take precedence — with personal terms still to be settled and a compensation package for Sunderland among the outstanding issues.
All parties would prefer for a swift resolution, with the new Premier League season on the horizon and England’s World Cup qualifying campaign beginning on September 4, but it is possible an official announcement on Allardyce’s appointment could be held up by negotiations.
The Black Cats, who appeared to have found stability in the dugout after several seasons of managerial strife, have already made their unhappiness clear and could hold out for a sizeable pay-off.
Allardyce took charge of Sunderland for what should be the final time during a 3-0 friendly win over Hartlepool on Wednesday, but did not re-emerge for the second half as news of his impending appointment broke.
The Guardian reported Thursday night that Allardyce should be confirmed by Friday, with a press conference taking place next week.
