Big Sam is new man at Everton
SAM Allardyce was last night confirmed as Everton’s new manager after signing an 18-month deal.
The ex-Newcastle and Sunderland boss will take charge for the first time time in tomorrow’s Premier League clash at home to Huddersfield.
“I’ve always thought Everton was a great club,” Allardyce said. “It is a great club. Obviously, the club has gone through a difficult spell and hopefully I can put that behind us as quickly as possible and start looking upwards again.”
Everton announced on Wednesday afternoon that they were finalising a deal to secure the services of Allardyce more than a month after sacking Ronald Koeman.
The 63-year-old had a watching brief as the Toffees put on their best display of the season to beat West Ham 4-0 at Goodison Park.
Defeat against the Hammers would have seen Everton drop into the relegation zone but instead Allardyce takes over with the side 13th, five points clear of the bottom three.
“The attraction of the club itself, the people I’ve known at the club – Peter Reid is one of my best mates, so are Andy Gray and Paul Bracewell, whom I worked with at Sunderland – these people have always made me aware of just how special and unique a club Everton is and I feel really enthused and energised to come in as manager,” said Allardyce.
“Ultimately, it’s the ambition of the club, the owner and the board, allied to the fact that it’s Everton and all the fantastic history, which have proved to be key for me.
“Ambition is important for any manager or coach, owner or director. It’s what you need to have and hopefully we can deliver to the fans to get this club high up the league. That’s what we’re aiming for.
“Let’s try to get a healthy spirit around the club. That’s difficult when you’re losing but the win over West Ham and magnificent atmosphere around Goodison, that’s lifted everybody.”