CHERRIES fans today breathed a sigh of relief when Sam Allardyce was unveiled as England manager – ending speculation over Eddie Howe's future.

Vitality Stadium boss Howe was among those strongly linked with the post following the resignation of Roy Hodgson but the Football Association elected to take a different route.

Allardyce, who penned a two-year deal, knew the job was his on Wednesday but a compensation package with his club, Sunderland, needed to be finalised before the announcement could be made.

The 61-year-old, 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."

Having missed out on the job to Steve McClaren in 2006, Allardyce 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.

Allardyce 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."

In their search for Hodgson's successor, Glenn, Gill and Ashworth also interviewed Steve Bruce, who today quit the Hull hot seat, and reportedly considered Howe, Arsene Wenger and Jurgen Klinsmann.

But Allardyce emerged as the clear favourite and the trio presented their findings to the FA board.

The former Bolton, West Ham and Newcastle boss will select his first squad towards the end of August. The Three Lions face a Wembley friendly against unnamed opponents on September 1 followed by the opening World Cup qualifier in Slovakia three days later.