This appointment isn't exactly enthralling but at least Allardyce has a bit of zest about him, unlike Hodgson who sits around nonchantly during games doing impressions of an owl.

Having said that, at the beginning of last season, I'd have rated Allardyce higher than either Chris Coleman or Claudio Ranieri as a manager, and look what they've done recently.

My choices would have been Slavan Bilic, Gus Hiddink or Eddie Howe although Bilic wouldn't been interested anyhow I don't think.