Sam Allardyce expected to be appointed Everton manager

Everton expect to finalise a deal to make former Limerick manager Sam Allardyce their new manager with the Englishman to take charge over the next 48 hours.

Allardyce’s spell as player-manager of Limerick was a successful one as he got the Super Blues promoted to the Premier Division in the 1991-1992 season.

The Toffees are lingering just above the relegation zone, only two points behind David Moyes’ West Ham who they play tonight in a vital clash in what will be David Unsworth’s last game before giving up the position.

It hasn’t been the best time in the Everton hot-seat for Unsworth in his seven games in charge as he only managed to win a single game, drawing one and losing the other five.

Unsworth has been supportive of the appointment of Allardyce in his pre-match press conference before Tuesday’s game at West Ham.

“Sam is a top manager but it would be wrong for me to talk of individuals. I have seen the names bandied about," Unsworth said.

"All are top managers. Whether there is truth in some or all or none, I do not know. Whoever gets the honour has my backing.”

This will be Allardyce’s tenth managerial job with his last one being at Crystal Palace, in which he steered the Eagles away from relegation trouble to a 14^th placed finish in the Premier League.

Allardyce is expected to take charge of his first game against Huddersfield Town on Saturday.