Sam shocked as the curtain falls after just eight months
Jan 10 2008 by Jule Wilson, The Journal
SAM Allardyce became Newcastle United’s shortest serving full-time manager last night as weeks of speculation over his future came to a dramatic close.
After just seven months and 26 days at St James’s Park, Allardyce was given the red card – and a reputed £6m pay-off for the remainder of his three-year contract.
In 24 games in charge, Allardyce, 53, delivered just eight wins.
His reign included 21 Premiership games which produced seven wins, five draws and nine defeats – leaving the Magpies 11th with 26 points.
His departure was announced just before 6pm yesterday.
It came just hours after Allardyce had spoken optimistically about his transfer window targets earlier in the afternoon.
The club said on its official website: “Newcastle United has today parted company with Sam Allardyce as its manager with immediate effect.”
The statement added: “This decision has been reached by mutual consent.”
But last night Allardyce, said he was shocked and disappointed at the decision.
Speaking outside his home he said to waiting reporters: “I am disappointed obviously, but I would like to wish everybody at the club all the best.
“I hope it goes well this season, I really do. But it was a real shock. I wasn’t expecting it.”
Fans were shocked by the timing but most attention focused on who will take over.
Alan Wilson, 59, of Carr Field, Ponteland, said: “I’m not surprised. Despite the fact he came with a pedigree, the changes he has made have made the team worse not better. There is no point sacking someone unless you have a replacement lined up that is better than the previous appointment.”
On the Journal’s online Newcastle United forum, a user known as Haych said: “Just hope the right appointment will shut everyone up. Fingers crossed that Ashley has got someone in the wings already so that a bit of business can be done.”
OutOfToon added: “Here we go. Laughing stock again. Personally I'm fed up of being media fodder. Who on earth will want to take this job now?”
Names being thrown into the ring to take over the top spot include Newcastle’s former centre forward and top scorer Alan Shearer, Portsmouth Manager Harry Redknapp, former England manager Steve McLaren, and Blackburn manager Mark Hughes. Shearer would be many fans’ favourite – but he reportedly ruled himself out of contention last night.
Former manager Kevin Keegan’s name is also being mentioned among fans
Sam Allardyce left Bolton Wanderers in April last year after almost eight years in charge and has now become the eighth Premiership boss to be sacked this season. He was Newcastle’s seventh manager in just 10 years – and that included Sir Bobby Robson’s near five-year spell.
Newcastle United last night said they did not have a replacement in mind and confirmed that first team coach Nigel Person would lead the team for Saturday’s game against premiership title chasers Manchester United.
Few regrets from the fans: Pages 4 & 5
