Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce was given permission by the Premier league club to speak to the English Football Association about becoming the next coach of the national team.
The 61-year-old Allardyce requested to talk to the FA about replacing Roy Hodgson, Sunderland said Wednesday. He is the favorite with British bookmakers to take over as England coach. “We want him to remain as manager of our football club,” Sunderland said in a statement.
Allardyce joined Sunderland in October and helped the team stay in the Premier league. He has 25 years of experience in management.
“Sam is very much key to our plans,” Sunderland said. “After what was an extremely challenging season, we are keen to see a period of stability, both on and off the field.
“The ongoing speculation over Sam’s position is extremely damaging to Sunderland, 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.”