SAM ALLARDYCE last night took charge of the England team with a promise to bring back some missing pride to the nation's suffering supporters and also oversee the country's football set-up.
After a compensation package of £3million was agreed with Sunderland, the English FA confirmed on Friday evening the game's worst kept secret by announcing the 61-year-old had signed a two-year deal which will take him at least up until the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Allardyce, who missed out on the job to Steve McClaren in 2006, was apparently the unanimous choice of a three-man selection panel comprising FA chief executive Martin Glenn, technical director Dan Ashworth and acting chairman David Gill.
Steve Bruce, who left his job with Hull City on Friday and is now expected to rejoin Sunderland, was also interviewed, while Arsene Wenger, Eddie Howe and Jurgen Klinsmann were all considered as possible replacements for Roy Hodgson.
"I am extremely honoured to be appointed England manager especially as it is no secret that this is the role I have always wanted," said Allardyce. "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. I know we have talented, committed players and it is time for us to deliver."
Allardyce, who will face Gordon Strachan's Scotland in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, has a massive task to breath life into an England team which were eliminated from the European Championships by Iceland.
And his added task of revitalising English football from the youth ranks upwards, which his predecessors had little to do with, will be even more difficult.
However, both manager and his bosses were adamant that his role would not be confined to winning matches with the national side.
FA chief executive 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.
"That was underlined when we sat down to talk and we could not help but be energised by his personal perspective on England's future and how it complemented the extensive work that we are looking to build on at St George's Park.
"Dan Ashworth, David Gill and I have carried out a thorough process in the last three weeks and ultimately we could not look beyond Sam as the ideal candidate."
"Alongside his primary target of qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, Allardyce has a mandate to shape a strong, purposeful team identity and maximise the performance potential of a young, talented England squad at a major tournament.
"Allardyce is also charged with helping Ashworth integrate and strengthen the FA's elite performance and coaching programme across the England senior and development teams at St George's Park."
The former Bolton, West Ham and Newcastle boss will select his first squad towards the end of August, with a Wembley friendly against unnamed opponents on September 1 and the opening World Cup qualifier in Slovakia three days later.
Sunderland, who were saved from relegation by Allardyce last season, have been less than impressed by the way the FA have handled the affair.
David Moyes is a candidate for Allardyce's former job, although Bruce, who spent three years at Wearside, is the heavy favourite.
"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," said the club in a statement. It was noticeable that Allardyce was not wished well in his new position."
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