1 of 18

Write now Article Tools

Sam Allardyce's record with Bolton Wanderer's proves that he is one of the best managers in the English game and he should probrably have been given the English job, Allardyce however is not one to shrink from a challenge so in place of England he has left the relative comfort of Bolton for the minefield of St James Park and the biggest underachievers in English football, Newcastle United. Will he succeed at bringing silverware to the very bare trophy case at St James Park is the million pound question, can he succeed where the likes of Gullitt, Robson and Keegan have failed ? Only the football gods and Freddy Shepherd can answer this one, what is not in question however, is that Big Sam has a massive task ahead of him if he is to turn around this club.

To his eternal credit he has already started the process of reshaping the team by getting rid of defenders Titus Bramble, Craig Moore, Olivier Bernard and Oguchi Onyewu, all of whom would do better plying their trade in the Championship. This is a good start, as the Newcastle defence has been absoulutely horrible over the last three seasons, yet it is only the beginning and Big Sam will have to keep that axe sharp and continue swinging away at the deadwood within the team. His is an unenviable task, simply due to the fact that this team has been exceptionally woefull and not one single player stood out all season injuries not withstanding.

The team lacks spirit, it lacks drive, it lacks grit and determination, it lacks flair and creativity and most importantly it lacks the knowledge of how to consistently win football games. Allardyce will no doubt bring his brand of football to the team along with his personality which should see a dramatic improvement in the team spirit and the determination to do well from a team lacking in both style and personality. Big Sam should however be careful with his tactics, afterall this is Newcastle United and long balls and physical play will not sit well with the geordie faithfull even if the team is winning games. Let us not forget this is the team for which stylists such as David Ginola, Peter Beardsley and Faustino Asprilla set stadiums alight all across England with their breathtaking skills while embarrassing opposing players and scoring classy goals. Add to this mix the finishing prowess of Les Ferdinand, Andy Cole and a certain Alan Shearer and the picture of a team playing dazzling, beautiful football is complete. This is the Newcastle way.

The success of the team will

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Will Sam Allardyce succeed with Newcastle United??
We want to hear your view. Write now!