CATS PLAY HARD BALL
SUNDERLAND CONTINUE TO NEGOTIATE COMPENSATION PACKAGE FOR SAM ALLARDYCE
Sunderland continue to dig their heels in over a compensation package for Sam Allardyce, although more than 24 hours of FA talks could reach a conclusion today.
Allardyce spent all day at the Academy of Light yesterday, despite being offered the England job on Wednesday night on the eve of Sunderland’s friendly victory at Hartlepool United.
Personal terms are not an issue for the 61-year-old, but Sunderland chairman Ellis Short is demanding a hefty compensation package after being infuriated by the FA’s protracted pursuit of Allardyce.
Despite less than a year remaining on Allardyce’s Sunderland contract, the Black Cats are looking for in excess of £2million compensation for the loss of their manager, due to the disruptive effect on the club’s pre-season preparations.
However, after talks yesterday failed to reach a resolution, Allardyce’s appointment could be confirmed today – certainly before Sunderland face their second and final domestic pre-season friendly at Rotherham United tomorrow afternoon.
It is expected that assistant manager Paul Bracewell and first-team coach Robbie Stockdale will take charge of the side at the New York Stadium if Allardyce has gone by that stage.
Once Allardyce’s departure is confirmed, Sunderland are not expected to waste any time in finalising a deal for David Moyes to arrive as a replacement.
Sunderland are thought to have held advanced discussions with Moyes and an agreement with the ex-Manchester United manager is close to completion.
Moyes was on a coaching seminar in Jordan earlier this week, but he is eager to return to the dug-out after being out of work since being sacked by Spanish side Real Sociedad in November.
But like the club’s transfer business, the move for Moyes has been on hold until confirmation of Allardyce’s appointment as Roy Hodgson’s successor.
The FA are no longer making any secret of Allardyce’s imminent arrival though.
Several board members – including outgoing chairman Greg Dyke – confirmed Allardyce had been selected to be the next England manager at an FA meeting at Wembley yesterday, which ratified his appointment.