Sam the Man: Give Allardyce Time

When Sam Allardyce was appointed as Newcastle manager by former chairman Freddy Shepherd, many believed that Shepherd had finally done the right thing for his "beloved club."

The long-term view had finally been taken, and this has been continued since the transfer of the club into the hands of the not so reclusive business man Mike Ashley.

After a busy summer, the squad looked like it was finally in position to start seriously challenging to become the best of the rest outside of the top four. The best start in 10 years followed, but this did still not silence some the doubters.

There has long been a belief around football that Newcastle fans would much rather lose 4-3 than win 1-0. On behalf of all Newcastle fans I would like to put the record straight and state that this is just not true.

Yes, we were not playing the best of football, but we were getting results. Rumblings of discontent continued with terribly heartless displays away to Derby and Reading. Worse was to follow with embarrassing home defeats to Portsmouth and Liverpool.

Big Sam's head was on the block. But why had he come under such intense pressure so early?

In my view, it's due in no small part to the role of the London-based national media, who seem intent on stirring misgivings throughout the Toon ranks—as with the constant speculation about Michael Owen's future, and the rumoured dressing room unrest regarding Allardyce's tactics.  

Allardyce is here for the long run. It's laughable that a club the size of Newcastle had only one full time scout on its books—compared to the army Arsene Wenger possesses at Arsenal. Big Sam has already righted such wrongs, but he now must be given the time to implement his strategies.

Time is crucial. This can easily be seen at Portsmouth with Redknapp and Everton with Moyes.

Only time will tell as to whether the new owner will recognise that Big Sam is the man.