The former Spurs and Manchester United man was always believed to be the number one candidate but we understand that Hasselbaink was a strong contender before the decision was made.
Manager Sam Allardyce was attracted to the former Leeds United and Chelsea star who spent a year as manager of Dutch Second Division outfit Royal Antwerp before leaving earlier this month.
Arsenal hero Ian Wright – who also enjoyed a stint at Upton Park – is another who is understood to have been keen on the job.
But Irons scoring legend Tony Cottee was ruled out as a candidate because of his regular stint as a Sky pundit leaving Sheringham a clear run at the job.