WATCH: Pride as Dudley son Sam Allardyce becomes England manager

It caps a remarkable footballing journey for the former West Bromwich Albion coach, who was born in Dudley in 1954 and grew up in Wren's Nest.

The 61-year-old lifelong Wolves fan, may be known as 'Big Sam' but back in Dudley he is affectionately known as 'Wee Sammy'.

He attended Sycamore Green Primary School and Mons Hill School and always had a ball at his feet, friends said.

The appointment, which was due to be announced on Thursday, was finally confirmed yesterday.

Former neighbour Pat Butler, who used to live opposite the Allardyce family home in Ash Green, said the new Three Lions' boss' parents Bob and Mary would be looking down on him with pride.

Mrs Butler, aged 78, said: "He was always kicking a football around and his mam was so proud of him – especially when he left school and got straight into his football.

"He was a good lad and his parents would've been so proud of him today.

"I didn't ever think he would become the England manager but he has really helped put Dudley on the map.

"He was a good lad and everyone always used to refer to him as 'Wee Sammy'." Mrs Butler said she believes he will lead England to a bright future. Allardyce replaces Roy Hodgson who resigned after England crashed out of the European Championships this summer.

Mrs Butler said: "I think he's got so many people behind him so he will do well.

"Everyone in Dudley is so proud of him and I think he'll do a good job for England. His mam and dad will be looking down on him and would be ever so pleased."

Brian Large, 69, from Coseley, said: "He'll bring football back to how it should be."

Allardyce played for semi-professional club Dudley Town as a centre-half, before he was spotted by Bolton Wanderers aged 15 where was taken on as an apprentice. He lived in Wren's Nest with his parents Bob, a police sergeant, and mother Mary – who were originally from Scotland. Sam has an older brother, Robert, and sister, Mary. Brian Milner – who was Allardyce's best friend growing up in Wren's Nest – spoke of his memories of his pal 'towering' over other youths during kickabouts on the green.

Allardyce was also the best man at Mr Milner's wedding.

Mr Milner said: "He has always been big Sam. He was 5ft 10 by the time he was 11, and he was as big as the teachers at our school. He was always a giant of a man. I remember he used to like going in goal because of his height." Elaine Peck, 55, who now lives in the former Allardyce family home, said she has been inundated with people wanting to catch a glimpse of the new England's manager old stomping ground.

The only memory of the Allardyce's is the family's name written on a window sill in black marker pen. Mrs Peck said: "The door hasn't stopped knocking.

"It is good he is manager. His sister used to live up the road. People used to call it the police house." Another former neighbour Fred Birch, 71, from Dudley, said: "I think the appointment is fantastic. "England could be no worse than they have been recently.

"I think Sam was a Wolves supporter and his brother Robert was an Albion supporter."

Jimmy Round, 65, from Wren's Nest, added: "I think it is great Sam is manager."

Childhood friend Jean Nixon said Allardyce and his pals used to congregate on the grass verge of Ash Green playing all kinds of sports.

She said: "They used to play football and cricket on the green."