The Times today speculated that the players have turned on Allardyce

[merlin]

It is quite amazing to see how many people think things are better than they actually are - how on earth can ANYONE not be concerned about the situation the club is in ?

 

As NE5 says, the post from Delima saying that we are 'comfortable in mid-table' is the best example of complacency I have heard since Nero got his fiddle out in the middle of a rather large fire....!!

 

We have just taken ONE - yes, that's right - ONE POINT out of 4 games, two of which we should have been capable of winning, and the game against Pompey should have produced at least another point, regardless of their spending - WE WERE AT HOME,and they are not Liverpool, Man U etc etc....

 

SO - one point from poss 12, games against Blackburn and Arsenal to come followed by the likes of Brum and Wigan away(now much better); Can you honestly expect to go into any of these games with confidence after seeing the body-language and obvious lack of belief shown by the players in recent games

 

Some people will believe anything - talk about the 'King's new Clothes ' - unless things get turned around, starting at Blackburn, we are heading into a relegation battle, and those of us who have seen it know the signs only too well..the first ones are already apparent so forget complacency - we are in a tight spot - VERY tight..

[EthiGeordie]

The Sun

Steven Howard

 

Already the last roll of Dyce

 

 

NEVER have Newcastle fans turned on a boss as quickly as they have Sam Allardyce.

Big Sam is in big trouble — and it’s difficult to see where he goes from here.

 

He originally said it would take three years to turn the club round but, in football these days, you simply don’t get that sort of time. Everywhere you look there are massive problems.

 

He’s a manager who likes to build from the back and yet all the defenders he has bought in — with the possible exception of David Rozehnal — have, so far, failed to adapt.

 

It’s the same with Joey Barton and Alan Smith, who cost £12million between them.

 

Communication breakdown

 

There are just too many similar players in midfield, all one-paced and without the legs to get round the pitch.

 

It also seems there is a communication breakdown between the manager and Michael Owen.

 

A newspaper with which Owen has close links claimed on Saturday there was “unease in the dressing room” and that senior players were “at odds with the manager.”

 

Yet it will be a little difficult to flog your star striker in the transfer window — probably the best outcome for both parties — when there are so many doubts about his fitness.

 

Then you come to the board. Mike Ashley may have a few bob but he’s still only released about £10m — £23m spent on new players and £13m recouped on Kieron Dyer and Scott Parker.

 

And just how hands-on is he? When is he actually seen, apart from in his black and white shirt on matchdays?

 

Then there’s the “chairman”, the deathlike-sounding Chris Mort. He’s another absent landlord, doing little more than providing a couple of soundbites every month.

 

It’s all enough to give Freddy Shepherd a good name.

 

The fans have already had quite enough, their only comfort coming from the fact both Middlesbrough and Sunderland are in an even worse state of repair.

 

Lucky draw

 

Yet that’s not the point. Expecting to see the new boss cement a place in the top six they have, instead, watched in horror as Newcastle have managed just one point out of a possible 12 — and that was a lucky draw at the Stadium of Light.

 

They have scored just three in four games — two of them own goals and the other a fluke from James Milner.

 

Now they face a trip to Blackburn followed by the visit of Premier League leaders Arsenal.

 

Should they stretch their recent run to one point from 18, Allardyce’s position could well be untenable.

 

Yes, there have been injuries but that cannot explain the type of football served up.

 

Following the 4-1 home thrashing by Portsmouth, Geordie fans turned on Allardyce again on Saturday as Liverpool cruised to a 3-0 win that could easily have been 6-0.

 

They couldn’t understand his team selection — why, for a start, was Milner omitted? And they were further dumfounded by some of his substitutions.

 

The trouble with Allardyce is that so much was expected of him. Linked with the club for the last two or three years, Newcastle fans were hoping for a quick fix. This just hasn’t materialised.

 

Then there’s his contract — £9m over three years. Plus he also has a huge back-up staff. They’d also have to go.

 

There have been tough times up on Tyneside in the last few seasons. Incredibly, they could be getting even worse.

[EthiGeordie]

      Very sad about the whole situation and I don't really know for the first time what is a good solution for our football club. Sad very Sad

[ChezGiven]

So Michael Owen has said that the players have turned on Allardyce then!

 

Now it makes sense.

[Wullie]

The Sun

Steven Howard

 

Already the last roll of Dyce

 

 

NEVER have Newcastle fans turned on a boss as quickly as they have Sam Allardyce.

Big Sam is in big trouble — and it’s difficult to see where he goes from here.

 

He originally said it would take three years to turn the club round but, in football these days, you simply don’t get that sort of time. Everywhere you look there are massive problems.

 

He’s a manager who likes to build from the back and yet all the defenders he has bought in — with the possible exception of David Rozehnal — have, so far, failed to adapt.

 

It’s the same with Joey Barton and Alan Smith, who cost £12million between them.

 

Communication breakdown

 

There are just too many similar players in midfield, all one-paced and without the legs to get round the pitch.

 

It also seems there is a communication breakdown between the manager and Michael Owen.

 

A newspaper with which Owen has close links claimed on Saturday there was “unease in the dressing room” and that senior players were “at odds with the manager.”

 

Yet it will be a little difficult to flog your star striker in the transfer window — probably the best outcome for both parties — when there are so many doubts about his fitness.

 

Then you come to the board. Mike Ashley may have a few bob but he’s still only released about £10m — £23m spent on new players and £13m recouped on Kieron Dyer and Scott Parker.

 

And just how hands-on is he? When is he actually seen, apart from in his black and white shirt on matchdays?

 

Then there’s the “chairman”, the deathlike-sounding Chris Mort. He’s another absent landlord, doing little more than providing a couple of soundbites every month.

 

It’s all enough to give Freddy Shepherd a good name.

 

The fans have already had quite enough, their only comfort coming from the fact both Middlesbrough and Sunderland are in an even worse state of repair.

 

Lucky draw

 

Yet that’s not the point. Expecting to see the new boss cement a place in the top six they have, instead, watched in horror as Newcastle have managed just one point out of a possible 12 — and that was a lucky draw at the Stadium of Light.

 

They have scored just three in four games — two of them own goals and the other a fluke from James Milner.

 

Now they face a trip to Blackburn followed by the visit of Premier League leaders Arsenal.

 

Should they stretch their recent run to one point from 18, Allardyce’s position could well be untenable.

 

Yes, there have been injuries but that cannot explain the type of football served up.

 

Following the 4-1 home thrashing by Portsmouth, Geordie fans turned on Allardyce again on Saturday as Liverpool cruised to a 3-0 win that could easily have been 6-0.

 

They couldn’t understand his team selection — why, for a start, was Milner omitted? And they were further dumfounded by some of his substitutions.

 

The trouble with Allardyce is that so much was expected of him. Linked with the club for the last two or three years, Newcastle fans were hoping for a quick fix. This just hasn’t materialised.

 

Then there’s his contract — £9m over three years. Plus he also has a huge back-up staff. They’d also have to go.

 

There have been tough times up on Tyneside in the last few seasons. Incredibly, they could be getting even worse.

 

What a fucking woeful article that is.

[Guest SLK]

From SSN:

Allardyce unfazed by booing

 

 

Newcastle United manager Sam Allardyce says he is not bothered by the negative reaction from fans.

 

While some supporters were heading for the exit doors in Saturday's comprehensive defeat to Liverpool, others chose to barrack the former Bolton boss.

 

The Magpies chief acknowledges he will not be popular as the team struggles, but he will not begrudge the fans their opinions.

 

Allardyce is still backing his ability to turn around the side's fortunes on the pitch, although he has called for supporters to have realistic expectations.

 

"You're not popular when you're not doing well," he told the Daily Mirror. "If people don't like me, it's up to them. But it doesn't bother me.

 

"The fans have a right to vent their opinions. Their reaction doesn't surprise me.

 

"The supporters want it so much and they want it so soon. It's difficult to give them what they want all the time.

 

Realistic

 

"It's years since Newcastle won something and that doesn't help. We've got to remain realistic.

 

"I could have sat comfortably where I was, picked up my money and stayed at Bolton. I didn't want to do that.

 

"I wanted a bigger challenge and this is one. I'm good enough and big enough for it.

 

"I've got to keep the players' spirits up. I have to keep the pressure off them.

 

"We've only just come together and I never said to them that it would be it would be easy."

[Guest Brewcastle]

From SSN:

Allardyce unfazed by booing

[........................]

 

"I could have sat comfortably where I was, picked up my money and stayed at Bolton. I didn't want to do that.

 

"I wanted a bigger challenge and this is one. I'm good enough and big enough for it.

Maybe the main thing for Sam is the money? -Going to Toon he picks up even more money than in Bolton.

The challenge is obviously far to big for him. Other teams perform better during the season. Under Sam NUFC performs worse at each game. Lost 5 of 9 points to the three teams at the relegation spots. How would it have been if we had met them later in season? 

[BONTEMPI]

"The supporters want it so much and they want it so soon. It's difficult to give them what they want all the time."

 

 

That makes me fu*king laugh! All we want is to see some bloody effort and we ain't seeing any.

 

 

[Rich]

A few lines are obviously right, but there is a hell of a lot of bollocks in that article:

 

- Chris Mort, "absentee landlord"? Isn't that bloke behind his desk from 9-5 practically every day?

 

- "Gives Freddy Shepherd a good name"? Anyone who thinks we're worse off now than we were just last year at this time wants their head checked. People are quick to forget Sheff Utd, Fulham, Bolton, BIRMINGHAM, et al. All of these far, far worse sides than Portsmouth and Liverpool - who I personally thought were outstanding against us. We might end up saying this some day, but we're not even 6 months into Ashley's ownership yet!

 

Personally, I can see some of the problems (like the style of play, the signings not hitting it off right away, Michael Owen, etc.), but I'm getting more and more certain that some of our fans revel in our despair and love nothing better than a good knee-jerk. People need to garner some perspective, and fast.

 

At this stage last season we were 17th in the table, having only won 3 of our opening 14 games. We had 13 points and had scored 6 goals at SJP in 7 games.

 

This season we're 11th in the table, having won 5 of our opening 13 games, we have 18 points and have scored 11 goals at SJP in 7 games.

 

There is progress being made, believe it or not. Nobody ever claimed it would be an instant rise.

[Guest alex]

Typical case of The Sun inventing a story in lieu of facts to back it up. Plenty muppets across the country who'll believe every word of it though.

[Cronky]

Amidst the crap, there are a couple of good points in the article.

 

Firstly, there is a lack of pace about the team. The only two players who have genuine pace - Zoggy and Martins - aren't great technically and good sides can blot them out of games.

 

Secondly, I think there is a problem between Allardyce and Owen. It's not a relationship that's destined to last. Allardyce's system doesn't really fit with a specialist finisher.

 

[Willow]

What a laughable thread.

 

Anyone even thinking about a manager change needs to go and grow up.

 

All of the known forum shit stirrers always come on at the same time, just after we lose or if a badly written sensationalist headline is printed in a piss poor tabloid.

I recall most of the forum, as soon as Sam was appointed, saying they all agreed that it was the beginning of a new era. One that after dealing with managers so badly in the past, they'd now offer more patience because chopping managers every year got them NOWHERE and often took the club backwards.

 

But of course the general kneejerkers have resurfaced and now with their toys thrown out of their pram, they're stamping their feet and wanting a new manager after only 6 months.

 

Grow the fuck up and have some patience for christ sake.

[Guest Ridzuan]

Round 1: Big Sam v Supporters v Players and the winner goes to Big Sam. 

[Dunedin]

If Sam has lost the dressing room, and this will become more and more apparent if it is true, then there is only one thing to do. Sam has to go as the continuation of such a situation is disaster. If he still has the respect of the players then he needs to superimpose himself on them and at least show effort and fight in the next few games. I hope he is going through a steep learning curve but I am very worried and the one thing that has really depressed me is the signings he has made which do not look good enough without exception. I am anxious over him wasting any more money in January.

[Parky]

In my book there is no such thing as losing the dressing room. Players play up they get fined and put on the transfer list. 

[Guest Phil K]

s*** stirring.  Nothing more

Yes - the southern football writers (and the BBC wank*rs - that goes without saying) get erections only when Newcastle are in a mess.

No wonder they wallow in it like pigs in heat.

[Lazy]

I don't want to know anything about a turned on big Sam to be honest.

[EthiGeordie]

A few lines are obviously right, but there is a hell of a lot of bollocks in that article:

 

- Chris Mort, "absentee landlord"? Isn't that bloke behind his desk from 9-5 practically every day?

 

- "Gives Freddy Shepherd a good name"? Anyone who thinks we're worse off now than we were just last year at this time wants their head checked. People are quick to forget Sheff Utd, Fulham, Bolton, BIRMINGHAM, et al. All of these far, far worse sides than Portsmouth and Liverpool - who I personally thought were outstanding against us. We might end up saying this some day, but we're not even 6 months into Ashley's ownership yet!

 

Personally, I can see some of the problems (like the style of play, the signings not hitting it off right away, Michael Owen, etc.), but I'm getting more and more certain that some of our fans revel in our despair and love nothing better than a good knee-jerk. People need to garner some perspective, and fast.

 

At this stage last season we were 17th in the table, having only won 3 of our opening 14 games. We had 13 points and had scored 6 goals at SJP in 7 games.

 

This season we're 11th in the table, having won 5 of our opening 13 games, we have 18 points and have scored 11 goals at SJP in 7 games.

 

There is progress being made, believe it or not. Nobody ever claimed it would be an instant rise.

 

You have a good point and we agood run on the holiday season might put us in a good position and it is up for grab. All at this club though have to go to the same direction. A strong January off of the field shape up our season.

[KaKa]

Did anyone watch the Owen documentary?

 

When he went to his barn he pointed out horses owned by Parker, Stephen Carr and Given.

 

I'll go out on a limb and say these were probably his closer pals on the team. Sam got rid of Parker, Given has laready thrown a tiff about being replaced for a few games and Carr is just a bum.

 

Wouldn't be a surprise to me if Owen, Given or Carr are behind these kinds of stories coming out, even as the article suggests it is Owen.

 

Which other senior members could it be? I can't see any of Sams signings turining on him already and I can't see Butt doing it either as he is one of Sam's favourites.

 

 

 

 

 

[jep]

A few lines are obviously right, but there is a hell of a lot of bollocks in that article:

 

- Chris Mort, "absentee landlord"? Isn't that bloke behind his desk from 9-5 practically every day?

 

- "Gives Freddy Shepherd a good name"? Anyone who thinks we're worse off now than we were just last year at this time wants their head checked. People are quick to forget Sheff Utd, Fulham, Bolton, BIRMINGHAM, et al. All of these far, far worse sides than Portsmouth and Liverpool - who I personally thought were outstanding against us. We might end up saying this some day, but we're not even 6 months into Ashley's ownership yet!

 

Personally, I can see some of the problems (like the style of play, the signings not hitting it off right away, Michael Owen, etc.), but I'm getting more and more certain that some of our fans revel in our despair and love nothing better than a good knee-jerk. People need to garner some perspective, and fast.

 

At this stage last season we were 17th in the table, having only won 3 of our opening 14 games. We had 13 points and had scored 6 goals at SJP in 7 games.

 

This season we're 11th in the table, having won 5 of our opening 13 games, we have 18 points and have scored 11 goals at SJP in 7 games.

 

There is progress being made, believe it or not. Nobody ever claimed it would be an instant rise.

 

 

Most sensible post since the turn of the year.

 

[Lazy]

Yeah, nice one The Janitor!

[olliemort]

A few lines are obviously right, but there is a hell of a lot of bollocks in that article:

 

- Chris Mort, "absentee landlord"? Isn't that bloke behind his desk from 9-5 practically every day?

 

- "Gives Freddy Shepherd a good name"? Anyone who thinks we're worse off now than we were just last year at this time wants their head checked. People are quick to forget Sheff Utd, Fulham, Bolton, BIRMINGHAM, et al. All of these far, far worse sides than Portsmouth and Liverpool - who I personally thought were outstanding against us. We might end up saying this some day, but we're not even 6 months into Ashley's ownership yet!

 

Personally, I can see some of the problems (like the style of play, the signings not hitting it off right away, Michael Owen, etc.), but I'm getting more and more certain that some of our fans revel in our despair and love nothing better than a good knee-jerk. People need to garner some perspective, and fast.

 

At this stage last season we were 17th in the table, having only won 3 of our opening 14 games. We had 13 points and had scored 6 goals at SJP in 7 games.

 

This season we're 11th in the table, having won 5 of our opening 13 games, we have 18 points and have scored 11 goals at SJP in 7 games.

 

There is progress being made, believe it or not. Nobody ever claimed it would be an instant rise.

 

Great Post!!

[Karjala]

 

 

 

At this stage last season we were 17th in the table, having only won 3 of our opening 14 games. We had 13 points and had scored 6 goals at SJP in 7 games.

 

This season we're 11th in the table, having won 5 of our opening 13 games, we have 18 points and have scored 11 goals at SJP in 7 games.

 

There is progress being made, believe it or not. Nobody ever claimed it would be an instant rise.

 

Stevie Wonder could have took over the team and made progress on the shite from last season, point still is that weve been crap this season, and getting worse by the game. Things look ok (nothing special) after the Everton and Spuds results (2 teams there for the beating) but now things look far from great.

[Guest fraser]

The Times mentions this again today.

 

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/newcastle/article2951169.eceThe grim situation faced by

 

'Sam Allardyce was emphasised yesterday when the latest vote of confidence issued in support of the Newcastle United manager came with a caveat that the patience that he has been afforded so far is not infinite.

 

Perhaps of more concern to Allardyce is the intimation that, despite his ambitious spending plans for the January transfer window, significant funds are unlikely to be made available. “We need to get our team performing on the pitch as a unit,” Chris Mort, the chairman, said. “That’s our first priority.”

 

Such a standpoint is likely to be met with dismay by Allardyce, who is under increasing pressure after taking only one point from the past four matches. The manager has endured an unexpectedly turbulent first six months in charge and is clearly struggling to motivate his squad - a plight highlighted on Saturday when he was met with a wall of silence from his players during an inquest into the 3-0 defeat at home to Liverpool.

However, Mort is willing to give Allardyce the time he requires. “He’s clearly having a tough time at the moment, but he’s an experienced guy who will hopefully bring the team through,” Mort said.

 

The manager is unlikely to receive anywhere near the £20 million he was allowed to spend by Mike Ashley, the club’s billionaire owner, to bolster his squad during the summer.

 

“Other Premier League clubs are spending heavily and that leads to an increase in quality which you have to try and live with,” Allardyce said.

 

Mort’s support for Allardyce does not extend as far as chastising disillusioned supporters for their recent treatment of him. “It’s certainly not a surprise the fans aren’t happy,” the chairman said. “We’ve had two disappointing home defeats on the trot. The manager has said he doesn’t want that and we don’t, either.” '

 

 

[Lazy]

The Times is a pretty crappy newspaper when it comes to NUFC news