FORMER Wanderers legend Sam Allardyce said it was ‘time to deliver’ and ‘make the country proud’ after being appointed as the new England manager.

Allardyce, who guided the Whites to European football during a successful eight-year spell at the Macron, said he was ‘extremely honoured’ to be leading the Three Lions.

Describing the role as the ‘best job in English football’, he said he would do everything he could to ‘give our nation the success our fans deserve’.

Allardyce has signed an initial two-year deal to become England’s new manager, the Football Association announced today.

This afternoon, July 22, Wembley's outdoor big screen carried a message announcing Big Sam's arrival in the top job.

The 61-year-old boss knew the role was his on Wednesday but a compensation package with his former club, Sunderland, needed to be finalised before the announcement could be made.

Allardyce, who begins work immediately, said: “I am extremely honoured to be appointed England manager especially as it is no secret that this is the role I have always wanted. For me, it is absolutely the best job in English football.”

Allardyce, who missed out on the job to Steve McClaren in 2006, was the unanimous choice of a three-man selection panel comprising FA chief executive Martin Glenn, technical director Dan Ashworth and acting chairman David Gill.

Roy Hodgson’s successor continued: “I will do everything I can to help England do well and give our nation the success our fans deserve. Above all, we have to make the people and the whole country proud.

“While my main focus will be on the senior team and getting positive results, I want to add my influence to the great work being done across the development teams at St George’s Park - a facility I have used with my previous clubs.

“I know we have talented, committed players and it is time for us to deliver.”