Sunderland ‘fight’ to keep Allardyce after England make move

Sam Allardyce

Sunderland have announced that the FA approached them for permission to speak to Sam Allardyce about the England job and, at their manager’s request, have granted permission.

Allardyce is the bookmakers’ favourite to replace Roy Hodgson and the FA has now made their move for him official after making contact with the Black Cats.

Steve Bruce and Jurgen Klinsmann are the other names in the frame, although Allardyce is the first person the FA have officially asked for permission to speak to.

A statement on the club’s official website read: “The Football Association contacted Sunderland AFC to seek permission to speak with our manager as part of what was supposed to be a confidential discussion process with potential candidates for the position of England manager.

“At Sam Allardyce’s request, we agreed to this.”

 

Sunderland want ‘swift resolution’

Sunderland, however, have vowed to do all they can to keep Allardyce at the Stadium of Light and the statement continued: “Sam is very much key to our plans. After what was an extremely challenging season, we are keen to see a period of stability, both on and off the field, and we want him to remain as manager of our football club.

“The ongoing speculation over Sam’s position is extremely damaging to Sunderland AFC, particularly at this crucial time of the season and we urge the FA to respect the disruption that this process is causing and bring about a swift resolution to the matter.”

 

[of_poll name=’Who do you want as England’s next manager?’ id=’1082523′]