Allardyce raises doubts over Rooney’s England captaincy
New England manager Sam Allardyce has said “it is far too early” to confirm whether Wayne Rooney will continue as Three Lions skipper.
Speaking in his first official press conference since being named as Roy Hodgson’s successor, the former Sunderland boss refused to give any immediate decision on who his captain would be.
“It is far too early to make any predictions and will not make any decisions until I meet the players and coaching staff,” Allardyce confirmed.
“It is my first day in and getting my feet under the table and meeting everyone.”
Rooney has recently endorsed the appointment of Allardyce, but has not received any immediate assurances in return.
Overwhelmed by support
Allardyce first spoke about the feeling when he was chosen as the next manager to lead England forward and has been humbled by the reaction he has received since the appointment was made.
“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,” Allardyce said. “It has not only been good will from friends but also the nation as whole.
“For me that gives me a very warm feeling about taking up this opportunity. I am very proud to be named the new England manager and I look forward to the task in hand and qualify for the World Cup and take it from there.”
I’m the right man
‘Big Sam’ believes he has all the right credentials for the job and that his vast experience in the top-flight of English football will stand him in good stead as he tries to implement two key objectives.
“It is 10 years since I was last interviewed and to be here is a huge thrill for me,” Allardyce beamed.
“I fit the chair, I hope I do and I have the experience to pass on and to challenge the team and myself – the five Premier League clubs has given me a huge experience, no-one else has done that.
“Man management is my biggest asset. One: to help the players enjoy themselves and two: to make them better than they already are.”
Worked with the best
When further questioned about his ability to manager England, the 61-year-old proceeded to name some of the “world-class” players he has managed during his long career and also stated that his knack of keeping teams away from being relegated should not go unnoticed despite the lack of silverware won.
“I have managed some world class players. Fernando Hierro, Youri Djorkaeff, Jay-Jay Okocha, Gary Speed, Nicolas Anelka and Michael Owen,” Allardyce listed.
I have managed some talented players, the good thing about that is they make your life easier, they know what you want.
“Working with the England elite players will be very exciting for me because they will take on board ideas very quickly.
“Winning no trophies or cups, unfortunately, as an English manager I never got to go right to the top of the Premier League. I saved clubs and never got relegated, and they are not the same as winning the FA Cup or Capital One Cup, but they are big achievement.”