Allardyce admits relief
Some pressure has been lifted off Sam Allardyce
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Saturday, 08, Dec 2007 08:42
Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce admitted he felt a sense of relief after his team's 2-1 win over Birmingham at St James Park today.
Defender Habib Beye struck in injury time to seal a priceless three points for Newcastle. They had been behind through a Cameron Jerome strike but got back on level terms through Obafemi Martins.
Although his team earned a well deserved point against Arsenal on Wednesday, Allardyce has been under immense pressure after his team suffered big defeats against Liverpool, Portsmouth, and Blackburn.
"The relief is always when the whistle blows and you have won a game that you deserved to win," said Allardyce. "Under the circumstances, it is a weight lifted off us all.
"We made hard work of it and we were our own worst enemies in the first five or ten minutes.
"But the reaction of the players was terrific. The fans kept with them and got behind them and they responded in the right way," added Allardyce.
Allardyce urged his players to keep working hard and make sure they are in good shape for the trip to Fulham next week.
"We have to sustain this now. We are very pleased but it's important we don't go complacent. It's a step in the right direction but there's more work to do yet," said Allardyce.
"People have been asking questions about our application and commitment and I think the last two performances have gone in the right direction to putting that right.
"The players have regained their bit of dignity and pride because it was a very good performance."