Bookmakers Ladbrokes have suspended all betting on Sam Allardyce’s appointment as the new Newcastle boss. The bookies don’t get it wrong very often and so it seems like a done deal. Most Newcastle fans seem pretty happy with Big Sam’s imminent appointment, although I have heard some complain that he’s too defensive to please the Toon Army. Bollocks, I say. Sam did a very impressive job at Bolton – people unfairly criticised him for playing negative, long-ball football but which manager extended the careers of entertainers like Jay-Jay Okocha and Youri Djorkaeff?
No, Allardyce knows how to win with the resources he has. He’s a realist and that’s exactly what Newcastle United have needed for years. Yes, Newcastle are a big club, but they haven’t played like one since Kevin Keegan was manager. At least Allardyce will get results. So, a word to the Toon Army: it could be a lot worse – you could get Sven instead.