FORMER Bolton legend Sam Allardyce is expected to be appointed England manager tomorrow.

Big Sam has been one of the favourites for the job since Roy Hodgson stepped down following the national team's disastrous Euro 2016 campaign.

Allardyce is expected to be ratified as Hodgson's replacement at today's FA Board Meeting in London. He was one of the favourites to land the top job alongside Hull manager Steve Bruce and Jurgen Klinsmann.

FA chief executive Martin Glenn, vice-chairman David Gill and technical director Dan Ashworth were given the job of recommending a new manager after Hodgson stood down after the 2-1 defeat by supposed minnows Iceland in the last-16 in France.

Just 10 years ago Allardyce, then at Bolton, was interviewed for the England job only to lose out to Steve McClaren.

Now the 61-year-old, who still owns a house in Bromley Cross, is set to be given the nod by a 12-man board at the Football Association following an interview last Wednesday.

Allardyce began his playing career at Bolton, breaking through under Jimmy Armfield in 1973. He remained a key player as the club rose from the third division into the top flight before leaving in 1980.

He returned in 1985 for a brief spell which was interrupted by injury. But it was as a manager that Allardyce had the most profound effect on Bolton, joining from Notts County and taking them from mid-table in Division One at the turn of the millennium to four top eight finishes in the Premier League.

He left after a fall out with former chairman Phil Gartside and took charge of Newcastle United, later managing Blackburn Rovers, West Ham and Sunderland.

Last night Bolton comic and Wanderers fan Paddy McGuinness tweeted: "Well done gaffa! @OfficialBigSam new @England manager!!!"

When the news was announced, the Bolton News website was inundated with messages.

Lorraine Hughes said: "Congratulations Sam well deserved. Best manager we will have ever had BWFC."

Lee Stevenson said: "Good luck big Sam...your gonna need it."

Julie Martin said: "Best choice, he's earned this!"

Lesley Elizabeth Hunt: " Thank god for that! Go Big Sam!! Whoo hoo x"

Mark Herbert good on you sam, top fella this is good news.

Mr Glenn said yesterday: "Everyone we've spoke to about the job is massively enthusiastic about the prospects for England. We're not after a short-term mercenary, someone just to do the job for a couple of years. I want someone to come in to the England role to really work with not just the senior team but to make sure all the great work with the Under-16s, 17s, 18s - look at how well the Under-19s are doing now - and to knit all that together. We want someone to do a great job for the England national team but as well make sure all the development teams are laddering up to something more effective."