Sam Allardyce agrees to become new Everton manager

Former England manager expected to be confirmed as Ronald Koeman's successor on Wednesday after arriving back in England from Dubai

Sam Allardyce is expected to be unveiled as the new Everton manager on Wednesday. Matthew Childs / Reuters
Powered by automated translation

As predicted by The National's team of panellists on this week's Extra Time podcast, Sam Allardyce is set to be named the new manager of struggling Premier League club Everton.

The struggling Premier League club announced on their official website that the former England manager will "finalise terms" to become their new manager on Wednesday after arriving back in England from Dubai.

Everton said in a statement: "Sam Allardyce will be at USM Finch Farm this afternoon to finalise terms on becoming the new manager of Everton Football Club.

"David Unsworth will remain in charge of the Blues for tonight's Premier League match against West Ham United at Goodison Park."

The former England manager will succeed Dutchman Ronald Koeman, who was sacked by the club back on October 23.

Under 23 manager Unsworth stepped up in temporary charge following Koeman's sacking, but results have hardly improved under the former Everton player.

His seven-game tenure has been little short of disastrous, with Everton losing five games and winning just one.

That victory, when Everton came from two down late on to secure a 3-2 victory over Watford, looked like it might be a turning point.

But they have lost their last two matches 5-1 to Atalanta in the Europa League and 4-1 against Southampton, taking the tally of goals Everton have conceded this season in all competitions to 46.

Everton are in 17th place with 12 points from 13 games after three wins, three draws and seven defeats.

Allardyce, 63, stepped in to rescue struggling Crystal Palace from relegation midway through last season but resigned before the start of the current campaign. He has also managed Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United, Blackburn Rovers, West Ham United and Sunderland in the Premier League.

Allardyce, who has been on a holiday in Dubai and attended Sunday's Etihad Airways Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit, is expected to be given a deal until the end of the season.

Allardyce will be the second new managerial appointment this week after Alan Pardew was named new West Bromwich Albion manager earlier on Wednesday,