Allardyce exits Newcastle
Sam Allardyce leaves Newcastle United by mutual consent
Also In The News
|
Published by Harper Collins, hardback, 382 pages, £16. |  |
Wednesday, 09, Jan 2008 10:41
Sam Allardyce has left Newcastle United by mutual consent, the club announced last night.
A statement on the Magpies' website said they had parted company with Allardyce with "immediate effect" and by "mutual consent".
The former Bolton Wanderers manager, who arrived at St James' Park in the summer, had been under pressure after several disappointing defeats and uninspiring performances.
Following last week's 2-0 defeat at home to Manchester City, Allardyce admitted to feeling stressed by the club's recent performances but claimed he could turn things around as long as the players maintained their belief.
Allardyce had asked for time to build a side capable of challenging for honours but a disappointing 0-0 draw against Stoke City in the FA Cup appears to have been one poor result too many for the Magpies' hierarchy.
The club claim that Allardyce was not sacked and the decision to let him leave was a mutual agreement made in conjunction with the manager.
Newcastle chairman Chris Mort and owner Mike Ashley said: "Mike and I would like to place on record our thanks for Sam's efforts and wish him well for the future.
"A new manager has not yet been appointed at Newcastle United. We will make a further announcement on the managerial position when appropriate."
Allardyce himself added: "I am disappointed to be leaving Newcastle United but I wish the club all the best for the remainder of the season and for the future."
Although the club claim they have not yet identified Allardyce's successor, Ashley is likely to come under increasing pressure from Magpies fans to appoint Alan Shearer.
The striker is already the bookies' favourite to take over at St James' Park but he is yet to signal whether he wants to take on the job of re-building the side midway through the season.
Newcastle first-team coach Nigel Pearson will take charge of the team for Saturday's match at Manchester United.