Championship boss tipped for big step-up
West Ham united skipper Kevin Nolan is convinced that manager Sam Allardyce is ready to take on the England job.
Big Sam has been named as one of the English candidates to succeed Fabio Capello when the Italian’s contract expires with the Three Lions at the end of the Euro 2012 finals next summer.
Nolan is a keen admirer of Allardyce after playing under him at Bolton Wanderers and Newcastle United, and now believes that the 56-year-old should have been Sven-Goran Eriksson’s replacement in 2006 rather than Steve McClaren.
“No disrespect to Steve McClaren, but when he got the England job I thought Sam should have had it as he was the main candidate then,” the midfielder revealed.
“I don’t know why he didn’t get it. He’s portrayed as this long-ball, kick-off merchant, but you guys can portray people any way you want.
“If someone wants to portray Sam as a calming influence as a manager, I think they could now. When you see him he’s a lot calmer on the sidelines. Nolan added.
“In my opinion, he is still ready for the job and I think he would do a good job if he got that call.”
On the other hand, Nolan is now unsure if Allardyce will accept the England post, should he be offered it.
“I don’t know if he still wants it,” said the 29-year-old. “I’m sure they would have to come knocking, because he wouldn’t put himself up.
“I think he has a job to do here first. If he produces what we all want and expect him to do in the next season or two, I’m sure he’ll be a firm favourite for that job if they want to go the English route.”
