Former Notts County favourite to be named England boss

One of Notts County’s most fondly-remembered managers of the modern era is set to be named England manager.

Sam Allardyce, who led the Magpies to the Division Three title in the 1997-98 season, is set to be unveiled as the new England boss today.

Allardyce’s County side of 97-98 broke several club records on their way to the title, including a ten-match winning streak and finishing the season 19 points ahead of their nearest rivals.

He remained at Meadow Lane until 1999 before embarking on a hugely successful spell as manager of unfashionable Bolton Wanderers, leading them back to the Premier League and into European competition.

Allardyce was interviewed for the England job following Sven-Goran Eriksson’s departure after the 2006 World Cup but Steve McClaren was appointed.

His first competitive game in charge will be a World Cup qualifier in Slovakia on 4 September.