Moyes was swiftly brought into the Stadium of Light, after former boss Sam Allardyce was announced as the new manager of England. Stand up and be counted, these young players have had a lot of experience.
Advertisement
“Potential is not a word I want to use. This squad of players is very experienced and going forward hopefully will produce better”.
Allardyce’s two-year deal includes the task of trying to bring a clear identity to the junior sides as well as the first team.
Allardyce applied for the England post a decade ago when he was in charge of Bolton, but the FA opted for Steve McClaren instead.
Proud man… Sam Allardyce poses with an England scarf yesterday.
The manager was aksed about how he felt on being appointed as the new England boss, he said: “I think from my point of view what hit me the most is the overwhelming support from all areas I have received over the last few days”. I think I fit the chair, I hope I do. I think I have got the experience to challenge this England team and myself.
Moyes was full of praise for Allardyce who managed to steer the club clear of relegation after taking over in October with the team 19th in the Premier League.
“Man management is my biggest asset, to help players enjoy themselves and be better than they already are”.
So it’s very hard to create a team spirit. The success of saving the football club put me in the public eye for this position and I had a really good time at Sunderland, the fans were magnificent for me and I thank them all for that. “After 950 games as a manager there is something you want to change in your life sometimes and this was it for me”.
Working with the England elite players is going to be exciting for me.
“The pressure that comes on players is something we may look at in a little bit more depth”, he told the media at St. George’s Park.
“It’s far too early to make any predictions”, he said.
“I have to thank everybody at Sunderland for the opportunity”.
“Style of play has always been a tag that I can’t shake”, he said. “I’d describe my style as pragmatic”.
“My coaching technique is to win a football match – home or away, whether we are at Wembley or not – and adapt to the style we play to the opposition”, added Allardyce. [I was told] “Jermain Defoe can not play up front on his own Sam”. I suppose the demand has to be on the players for that then.
“I’m hardened over many, many years”.
Allardyce was asked whether he regarded the job as a poisoned chalice, but he dismissed that idea. You toughen yourself for whatever job you take.
Advertisement
He revealed: “If you want me to be honest, he [Allardyce] hasn’t been a major thing in our training, especially the way the gaffer used to treat the training”.
