Sports / Soccer

Allardyce puts premium on motivation

By Agence France-Presse in London (China Daily) Updated: 2016-07-25 07:47

England's new manager Sam Allardyce on Saturday told his players to use last month's stunning Euro 2016 exit at the hands of Iceland as motivation for the future.

On Friday, the 61-year-old was officially introduced as successor to Roy Hodgson, who resigned after the team bowed out of the Euros following the 2-1 loss to Iceland in the last 16.

Allardyce, who dramatic-ally kept Sunderland in the Premier League last season, wants a young England team to stay positive despite the recent disappointments.

"It's a very bitter experience as we all know, but that inner drive ... the players should keep that. They should hold it and use it as a positive, say 'we don't want to experience that again'," Allardyce said in an interview with FATV.

"I think first and foremost it's about regaining, perhaps, a bit of confidence they have lost after the Euros.

"Let's get started from day one. Let's put that to bed, let's start delivering and gain from the experience.

"We are going to get into the qualifiers, try to qualify for the World Cup. When we go next time, we'll be better prepared mentally to succeed."

Allardyce, who was overlooked for the England job when Steve McClaren was appointed for his ill-fated spell as manager in 2006, brings a wealth of experience, having managed five different Premier League clubs.

But his task is a difficult one as England remains without a major trophy since its World Cup triumph 50 years ago, and without a semifinal appearance since hosting the Euro championship in 1996.

He also used his first interview as manager to give a rallying call to England supporters.

"There's nothing wrong with the fans - they have supported the team through thick and thin and there's nothing wrong with the support they give," he said.

"They will get behind you if you're hitting that level. If you're showing that passion and commitment, but ultimately that quality, that team spirit they recognize, they will get behind it and support you.

"We all have to face criticism at this level; the level of criticism sometimes is far greater at the international level because it's just a short time together, but also praise is far greater.

"We have to accept both for what it is."

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.

When asked what he would bring to the job, he had a quick and concise answer: "Man-management."

Moyes taking reins at Sunderland

Sunderland has appointed former Manchester United manager David Moyes to replace Sam Allardyce as boss at the Stadium of Light, the club said on Saturday.

The 53-year-old Moyes signed a four-year contract with the Black Cats and was chairman Ellis Short's "first choice" to take over after Allardyce was named England manager last week.

Moyes, who was fired from Old Trafford in the immediate post-Alex Ferguson era and then had an unsuccessful stint in Spain with Real Sociedad, will be tasked with keeping perennial struggler Sunderland in the Premier League for another season.

The Scot started his managerial career with Preston but really made a name for himself at Everton, before his ill-fated spell at Manchester United, where he was fired after less than a season in the 2013-14 campaign.

"I am delighted to have joined Sunderland. I am relishing the challenge and excited by the opportunity," Moyes told the Sunderland website.

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