Everton has officially hired Sam Allardyce as manager on a deal through June 2019.

Ronald Koeman was fired as manager more than five weeks ago.

Allardyce was approached by Everton three weeks ago but pulled out of talks when it was clear he wasn't their preferred choice. Everton had wanted to hire Marco Silva from Watford.

Allardyce, who has managed Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United, Blackburn Rovers, West Ham Sunderland and Palace in the Premier League, has never been in charge of a team that has been relegated from the top division.

“The attraction of the club itself, the people I’ve known at the club – Peter Reid is one of my best mates, so are Andy Gray and Paul Bracewell whom I worked with at Sunderland – these people have always made me aware of just how special and unique a club Everton is and I feel really enthused and energised to come in as manager,” Allardyce said.