Poisoned chalice: Sam Allardyce tops list of leading candidates for England football manager
Sam Allardyce looks to be in pole position to become the next England manager after his club Sunderland revealed on Wednesday they granted at his request permission to speak to the Football Association.
Here’s a look at the five leading candidates for the job vacated by Roy Hodgson when he resigned after losing to Iceland at Euro 2016 (according to the bookmakers):
The one sure-fire candidate as his club confirmed he had held talks with the three wise men on the FA panel. The 61-year-old – inevitably dubbed “Big Sam” – is as uncompromising in his coaching style as he was as a central defender, although he did modify his direct approach a bit when asked to at West Ham. He rejected accusations from Jose Mourinho that his team played “19th Century football”. Has never won silverware in England but is respected for his ability to get the most out of players even with limited ability. Question is: is he a better manager now than he was 10 years ago when he was also interviewed for the top job and lost out to Steve “the wally with the brolly” McClaren?
Engaging, charismatic and a free spirit, the German – who has experience of English football having played for Spurs – has managed Germany, when they hosted the 2006 World Cup, and guided them to the semi-finals. A tough spell at Bayern Munich has been followed by happier times with the United States. But a 4-0 thumping by Argentina in the Copa America semi-finals illustrated the chasm in class that exists with the top teams and could prompt him to look elsewhere. Linked with the Southampton job, which went to Claude Puel, the 51-year-old is under contract till 2018. Would be a refreshing choice, but plenty of US football fans would be happy to see him go.