Sam Allardyce

The Phantom

So much was expected upon Big Sam’s arrival at St James’ Park. All the talk was that he was going to awake the sleeping giant, and push them into the top 4. There were also whispers of winning a bit of silverware too.

But now, having played 14 games, they sit in mid table obscurity, having only won 5 games all season and conceding goals left right and centre (they have conceded 3 or more goals in their last 4 matches) and fans are starting to get on Big Sam’s back.

So what do you think of Allardyce’s first 14 games in charge? Given time can turn it around, and make The Magpies a force their fans believe they should be? Or do you feel he got lucky at Bolton, and he just can’t hack it at a bigger club?

God

Super Moderator

Newcastle fans are way too fickle. They think they are a big club (Like Spurs think they are) but are a actually a mid-table club. Sam Allardyce was the best thing that could have happened to the club who's crest is beside underachieve in the dictionary. They have good players but they just dont click with each other. If Sam gets a few seasons to build the team how he wants it then i think they will be UEFA cup/pushing for fourth but wont get it.

Crocker

I agree with God a bit here(shockingly), Newcastle think they are bigger than what they are, people talk about their loyal support but I remember when they were near the bottom of the old division 2(now the Championship) and they were getting crowds of about 10,000 per game which is pretty terrible for a one team City.

Newcastle need to give bBig Sam a bit of time, sacking the manager every 12 months wont do Castle any good, just look what Utd did with Fergie, fans were calling for his head for a few years, now he's the most successfull domestic manager in the history of English football

Mikk

WC's Sexy Beast

He'll be gone by the end of December.


The board won't stand for anymore poor results and really he should be doing a whole lot better but he isn't.

He does have the players at his disposal to actually make a decent fight of it but he can't seem to get them to gel together.

The Phantom

Yes, I think we’re all agreed, that Newcastle’s fans believe they are a bigger club than they actually are. For me, I was very disappointed that they got rid of Glen Roder at the end of last season. For me he was doing a good job there. He came in when no one else would, and he steadied the ship. He had a really good UEFA Cup run with them.

Big Sam has been a little unlucky with injuries to Shay Given and Michael Owen, both of who’m are key players. But I don’t understand some of his tactical decisions. Why does he constantly keep playing Alan Smith in midfield? I don’t see the chairman getting rid of him this season. But Newcastle fans need to realise they are a #5 team at the very best in this league.

Crocker

He's been ther six months, how do you expect him to be doing a great job now, Fergie at United was in the bottom half of the table three years ater taking the job, also with great players at his disposal (Robson, Hughes, Bruce, Pallister, Ince, McClair) but they didnt sack him and he turned out to be a great manager, if they sacked who knows what would have happened to the rags, but I dont think they would have won all them trophys and competing infront of 76,000 fans(at one point in the 80's Utd were struggling to fill their stadium and getting crowds of less than 30,000)

God

Super Moderator

The two most successful sides in the Premier League are Man Utd & Arsenal. Arsenal have has the same manager for over 10 years. Utd have had the same for nearly 20. If Sam isnt given the time and/or patience they were then Newcastle will never get to be a top four side.

The longer a manager stays the better the team become as he shapes it to fit his own strenghts as a manager. He inherited this team and had only short time to add to it. Sam is changing the tactics but hasent been able to change players yet.

The Phantom

Well the result and performance Newcastle showed this evening, proves that with a little bit of time, Big Sam could possibly achieve something up in the North East. How funny was he on the sideline gesturing to his players and shouting instructions. The only thing funnier than that is watching Steve McClaren keep his dodgy hair dry in the Wembley rain a few weeks ago.

Mikk

WC's Sexy Beast

Well we nearly drew with Arsenal so i personally don't see it as much of an achievement.

Crocker

But sacking the guy after four months in charge would be retarded