New England manager Sam Allardyce was unveiled at St George's Park on Monday after signing a two-year deal to replace Roy Hodgson following England's miserable Euro 2016 campaign.
Here’s a look at some of the best bits from the former Bolton, West Ham and Sunderland manager’s first press conference as England boss.
On Wayne Rooney’s future as captain
“It’s far too early to make any predictions. I’m going to leave that until we meet all the players and get all the coaching staff together and plan for the internationals in September. It’s my first day in, I’m getting my feet under the table and meeting everyone.”
On being able to handle the England pressure
“Bring it on, hey lads. I’m hardened over many, many years. You toughen yourself for whatever job you take. You take the good with the bad, otherwise you don’t do it — don’t bother. I am here because I want to be here, because I want the challenge, I’m here because I think I can make the team better and I think I’m tough enough to take it.”
On not winning trophies as a club manager
“When it comes to winning no trophies or cups, unfortunately as an English manager I never really got the chance to go right to the top of the Premier League. But look at what I’ve achieved over the years, like not being relegated, and they are big achievements, difficult to do. They don’t hold the same category as winning the FA Cup, Capital One Cup or winning the league but it’s very important today in the Premier League to secure a football club’s financial status which is a difficult thing.”
On missing out on the England job in 2006
“I was good enough then. I don’t know (why he did not get the job) perhaps it was political, I don’t know. It’s obviously different (now) and much more streamlined with this development and site (St George’s Park). It’s much more forward thinking than it was in 2006. It was 10 years since I was last interviewed and to sit here is a huge thrill for me. I think I fit the chair, I hope I do.”
On the reaction to his appointment
“What hit me the most is the overwhelming support I have received from all areas. Not only the goodwill messages I’ve had from people I know but the nation as a whole. It gives me a very warm feeling about taking this position, I am very proud being named the new England manager. I look forward to the task in hand, first trying to qualify for the World Cup and then going from there. ”
On England’s players needing to perform
“We have got to say it’s not potential any more, it has to be reality now. Stand up and be counted, these young players have had a lot of experience. Even though some of that experience has been pretty bitter it can be a great help to make sure they don’t feel like that again.”
