West Ham boss backs Sunderland's Sam Allardyce for England job

Sam Allardyce's credentials to be the next England manager have been backed by his former West Ham boss David Gold.

By The Newsroom

Published 12th Jul 2016, 08:43 BST

Updated 12th Jul 2016, 09:46 BST

Speculation remains intense over Allardyce's chances of succeeding Roy Hodgson, with the Sunderland boss now the firm favourite with the bookmakers, amidst reports that the FA want to hold talks with him this week.

Allardyce has flown back to the UK from Sunderland's pre-season training camp in Austria, although that is thought to be for discussions with a Black Cats transfer target.

But Hammers co-chairman Gold - who spent four years working alongside Allardyce - believes the 61-year-old would be ideal for the England job.

"I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him," Gold told BBC Radio 5 live.

"He is determined, he is ambitious. He's been in the business a long time.

"I think the most important thing from my point of view is that he's English."