The American thought he was going to get that with Allardyce, although England’s European Championship catastrophe unleashed forces beyond Sunderland’s control.

Moyes will be warmly welcomed on Wearside as the natural successor to Allardyce. Sunderland supporters are far more ready to remember the excellent work the Scot did during his 12 years at Goodison Park, than the short and unsuccessful spells at Manchester United and Real Sociedad. Both of those roles ended in the sack.

Crucially, having not managed to sign a player yet this summer, because of the uncertainty surrounding Allardyce, Sunderland will be able to promise Moyes money to spend to strengthen a squad that, once again, only narrowly avoided relegation back in May.

A striker and two full-backs will be the new manager’s priority, although Sunderland are hampered by the fact there are only six weeks left until the close of the transfer window.

Sunderland could even continue their pursuit of West Ham striker Diafra Sakho, despite Allardyce’s departure.